Carabao Cup Fourth-Round Draw Preview

The Carabao Cup has slipped into its familiar early-season rhythm, the field trimmed again and the stakes beginning to sharpen. Sixteen clubs remain, one game away from the quarter-finals, and the next twist arrives on Wednesday night.

This is where it starts to feel serious. No regional protection. No gentle easing through the rounds. Just a clean draw and the prospect of heavyweight clashes landing without warning.

When and where is the fourth-round draw?

All eyes turn to Old Trafford on Wednesday 16 September, where Manchester United face Brighton in the final third-round tie. Kick-off is at 8pm BST, and once that contest is settled, attention will flip straight to the bowl of balls.

The draw will take place after full-time, expected some time after 10pm BST, once the post-match formalities are out of the way and the last name is confirmed for the hat.

How can fans watch it?

Sky Sports will carry the draw live as part of their Carabao Cup coverage. Presenter Pien Meulensteen fronts the programme, with Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Young taking on draw duties.

No studio gimmicks, no distractions – just the names, the numbers and the reaction as the ties fall into place.

Ball numbers and schedule

The EFL will confirm the ball numbers on Wednesday morning across its official channels, giving supporters a few hours to plot out dream ties and potential banana skins before the draw is made.

Round Four itself will be played in the week commencing 26 October, with all ties single-legged. One night, one chance, straight through or straight out.

By the end of that week, the competition will be down to eight – and the Carabao Cup will have its first clear outline of who truly fancies lifting silverware this season.