Carabao Cup Last-16 Draw: Big Hitters Eye Quarter-Final Spots
The Carabao Cup has slipped into its familiar early-season rhythm. The field has been cut again, the early casualties cleared away, and only 16 clubs remain standing with a place in the quarter-finals now in view.
This is the stage where the competition usually changes gear. The Premier League’s European contenders have rejoined the fray, the third round has been stretched across the week to accommodate them, and now the draw for the fourth round promises a cleaner, sharper schedule – and potentially some heavyweight collisions.
No regional protection. No seeding quirks. Just names in a bowl and the prospect of major clubs being thrown together far earlier than they would like.
When and where the fourth-round draw happens
All eyes turn to Old Trafford on Wednesday night. The fourth-round draw will take place straight after the Round Three tie between Manchester United and Brighton, which kicks off at 8pm BST on 16 September.
Once that game is done and the interviews are wrapped, the attention will swing from the pitch to the balls. Expect the draw some time after 10pm BST, with the final whistle acting as the trigger for the next chapter of the competition.
How to watch the draw
Sky Sports will carry the draw live as part of its Carabao Cup coverage. Presenter Pien Meulensteen will front the broadcast, with Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Young taking charge of pulling out the numbers.
It’s a simple format, but the stakes give it an edge. One twist of the wrist can turn a routine midweek tie into one of the standout fixtures of the round.
Ball numbers and schedule
The EFL will confirm the ball numbers on Wednesday morning across its official channels, setting up the evening’s ceremony.
Whoever comes out of the hat, the timetable is already locked in. All Round Four ties are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October, each of them a single-legged shootout.
No replays. No second chances. One night under the lights to decide who moves to within two games of Wembley.
