Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw Details
The Carabao Cup is starting to tighten. The early clutter has gone, the European clubs are in, and 16 sides are about to discover whether their route to Wembley gets harder or opens right up.
This is the point where the competition usually catches fire. No seeding. No regional split. Just names in a bowl and the prospect of a heavyweight tie landing without warning.
When and where is the fourth-round draw?
The fourth-round draw will take place on Wednesday 16 September, immediately after the Round Three meeting between Manchester United and Brighton.
That game kicks off at 8pm BST. Barring extra time and penalties, the draw is expected some time after 10pm BST, once events at Old Trafford are wrapped up and the last of the third-round places has been decided.
One final whistle, then straight into the balls.
How to watch the draw
Sky Sports will carry the draw live as part of their Carabao Cup coverage.
Pien Meulensteen will present the programme, with Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Young handling the draw itself. No studio gimmicks, no pre-draw shaping of the ties – just the traditional format and the usual tension as clubs and supporters wait for their number to be called.
Ball numbers and confirmation
The EFL will confirm the ball numbers on Wednesday morning across its official channels.
That list will lock in once the third-round fixtures are complete, setting the stage for any number of storylines: a derby, a reunion, or a clear run for a side quietly eyeing silverware.
When will the fourth round be played?
Fourth-round ties are scheduled for the week commencing 26 October.
All fixtures will be single-legged. Ninety minutes, then straight to a finish if needed. No second chances, no replays, just a direct route to the quarter-finals for whoever holds their nerve.
