The quarter-final draw for the 2025–26 Carabao Cup has now been confirmed, giving eight clubs a clear path into the business end of the competition and setting up several intriguing match-ups.
The draw, which took place following the completion of the fourth round on Wednesday evening, revealed that the remaining eight teams — representing both Premier League and lower-tier clubs — will go head-to-head in the week commencing December 15.
Among the ties drawn, Arsenal will host Crystal Palace in what could turn into a highly competitive London derby. Arsenal, who advanced via a 2–0 win over Brighton, will face a Crystal Palace side fresh from a 3–0 victory at Anfield.
Meanwhile, the clash involving Cardiff City, the only remaining side from outside the Premier League, has captured plenty of attention: the League One outfit will play host at home to Chelsea, who saw off Wolves 4–3 in dramatic fashion. Also drawn are Manchester City, who will take on Brentford at the Etihad, and reigning champions Newcastle United, who will host Fulham.
The presence of Cardiff City in the draw is one of the standout narratives. As the only club from outside the top flight remaining, their reward is a home tie against one of England’s heavyweights in Chelsea.
The draw thus offers them a unique opportunity — and also the potential for a ‘giant-killing’ moment. At the same time, for Chelsea it presents both an opportunity and a warning: progress is expected, but complacency could prove costly.
For Manchester City, many will view the Brentford fixture as manageable, given the City squad’s depth and ambitions for silverware. Meanwhile, Arsenal versus Crystal Palace promises to be a tight contest between two resilient London clubs, one chasing early season momentum, the other keen to upset the status quo.
Newcastle United, as holders of the trophy, will undoubtedly see their tie against Fulham as an opportunity to defend their crown, albeit against a side capable of causing an upset.
The draw format was confirmed as a free draw with no seeding, meaning any club could have faced any other, and the first team drawn in each tie will play at home. The quarter-final matches are firmly scheduled for the week commencing December 15, with semi-finals set for the weeks beginning January 12 and February 2, 2026, and the final at Wembley on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
From a competitive standpoint, the draw ticks several boxes. It ensures at least one David vs Goliath tie in Cardiff vs Chelsea, retains the possibility of a London derby in Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, and gives a top club like Manchester City a viable route through.
For the smaller clubs, it’s the chance to make a statement; for the big clubs, it is a path to maintain trophy momentum.
Looking ahead, the calendar is now set and clubs will begin planning accordingly. Teams will be assessing their squad rotations, far more so given England’s congested fixture list and the multiple competitions that many of these clubs are involved in.
For instance, Manchester City’s squad management in their recent win over Swansea in the fourth round saw 10 changes from their Premier League line-up. Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has already publicly urged his squad to “grow up” after a win that featured a red card and signs of indiscipline.