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Carabao Cup Fourth Round Kicks Off: Big Games on the Horizon

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 15:08 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locales: England, Wales, UNITED KINGDOM

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

The Carabao Cup fourth round is underway, and the stakes are high as Premier League giants and ambitious Championship sides clash for a coveted place in the semi-finals. Today's fixtures promise a compelling mix of tactical battles, potential upsets, and, undoubtedly, plenty of drama. We're bringing you live updates from all five matches, including Swansea City's home encounter against reigning champions Manchester City, Arsenal's test against a rising Brighton & Hove Albion side, Liverpool's clash with Crystal Palace, Wolves' challenge against Chelsea, and the highly anticipated North London derby rematch between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

A Tournament of Shifting Power Dynamics

The Carabao Cup, often seen as a pathway for squad rotation and youth development, has increasingly become a significant trophy for clubs vying for European qualification and silverware. The competition's format - a straight knockout - lends itself to unpredictable results, providing opportunities for 'giant killings' and allowing teams outside the traditional 'Big Six' to make a statement. This year, with several Premier League teams prioritizing Champions League and Europa League campaigns, the Cup could see even more surprising outcomes.

Swansea City vs. Manchester City: David vs. Goliath?

The Liberty Stadium plays host to a classic David vs. Goliath matchup. Swansea, currently enjoying a resurgent season in the Championship, will be looking to replicate their famous cup runs of the past. However, they face a formidable Manchester City side, led by Pep Guardiola, who are aiming for a record-extending fourth consecutive Carabao Cup title. City, despite juggling multiple competitions, typically fields a strong squad in the early rounds, demonstrating their commitment to the trophy. The key for Swansea will be defensive solidity and hoping for a moment of magic in attack. Expect a tactical masterclass from Guardiola, likely utilizing a fluid attacking system to break down Swansea's resistance.

Arsenal vs. Brighton: A Battle of Styles

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal face a tricky test against a Brighton side that has consistently impressed with their progressive, possession-based football. Brighton, under their innovative manager, have become a genuine threat to the established order, and their ability to control the midfield will be crucial against Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will need to find a balance between defensive stability and attacking flair. The game promises a fascinating tactical duel, with both managers likely to emphasize quick passing and intelligent movement.

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace: Klopp's Quest for Continued Success

Anfield will be buzzing as Liverpool welcomes Crystal Palace. While Liverpool are always contenders, recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a dominant performance to build momentum. Crystal Palace, known for their defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess, will aim to frustrate Liverpool's attack and exploit any vulnerabilities. This match could be decided by the individual brilliance of Liverpool's attacking players against Palace's resilient backline.

Wolves vs. Chelsea: A Clash of Rebuilding Projects

Molineux Stadium will witness a clash between two clubs undergoing significant rebuilding phases. Wolves, under their new manager, have shown flashes of promise but remain inconsistent. Chelsea, following a period of transition, are slowly starting to find their feet. This game presents an opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their progress and solidify their ambitions for the season. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with both sides vying for control of possession and dictating the tempo of the game.

Newcastle vs. Tottenham: Rematch and Rivalry Renewed

The final match of the evening sees Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur renew their rivalry at St. James' Park. Their previous encounter earlier in the season was a tightly contested affair, and a similar outcome is expected. Newcastle, buoyed by their passionate home crowd, will be eager to avenge their earlier defeat. Tottenham, however, will be determined to continue their impressive form and secure a place in the semi-finals. The game is likely to be a physical and intense battle, with both teams fighting for every inch of the pitch.

[Live Updates and Results Will Appear Here]

(Please note: As this is a live update, the content will be populated as the games progress. This is a placeholder for real-time information.) We'll be providing team news, key moments, and final results as they come in. Stay tuned for all the action from the Carabao Cup fourth round!