League One Cardiff City will host Chelsea in the standout tie of the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, as the competition’s only non-Premier League side continue their remarkable run.
The Bluebirds are flying the EFL flag after defeating Welsh rivals Wrexham 2-1 in midweek, and they’ll now welcome Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea to the Cardiff City Stadium in December.
Arsenal Host Palace After Liverpool Shock
Premier League leaders Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in another eye-catching quarter-final clash, following Oliver Glasner’s side’s stunning 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. The result marked the Reds’ sixth defeat in seven games and deepened Arne Slot’s early-season woes, as goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze inspired Palace to one of their finest cup victories in recent memory.
Yeremy Pino capping off a fine evening in Liverpool 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/F3HpLQvidr
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 30, 2025
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, meanwhile, eased past Brighton 2-0 thanks to second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta hailed both Nwaneri and debutant Max Dowman after the match, describing the latter’s performance at just 15 years old as “something special” and symbolic of the club’s faith in youth.
City, Newcastle and Fulham Complete the Line-Up
Manchester City were given a scare by Swansea City before coming from behind to win 3-1 at the Swansea.com Stadium. Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki all found the net after Gonçalo Franco’s early opener, ensuring Pep Guardiola’s men remain on course for yet another deep cup run. City’s reward is a home tie against Brentford, who cruised to a 5-0 victory away at Grimsby Town.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United will host Fulham at St James’ Park after defeating Tottenham 2-0. The Cottagers progressed via a penalty shootout against League One Wycombe Wanderers, with Marco Silva’s rotated side holding their nerve from the spot.
It wasn’t meant to be, but it was a mighty effort.
Thank you for all your support, Blues 💙 pic.twitter.com/0s0VKn93Yq
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) October 28, 2025
The quarter-final ties are scheduled to take place during the week commencing Monday 15th December, with most fixtures expected to kick off on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th December.
The full Carabao Cup quarter-final draw is as follows:
- Arsenal v Crystal Palace
- Cardiff City v Chelsea
- Manchester City v Brentford
- Newcastle United v Fulham
The competition’s surprise package, Cardiff, will carry the hopes of the Football League — and after their giant-killing in North Wales, few will underestimate the spirit of Brian Barry-Murphy’s side as the Carabao Cup edges closer to its Wembley finale.
