Fleetwood Town have secured a historic spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, with the EFL Cup draw confirming they will host either Everton or Newcastle United at Highbury. The League Two side becomes the lowest-ranked team to reach the last eight in the competition’s history, a feat achieved after they eliminated Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties in the fourth round. Their next opponent remains undecided, as Everton and Newcastle United are set to meet at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday night, creating a high-stakes tie that will determine who faces the cup’s latest dark horse.
League Two side set for historic Highbury clash after stunning Arsenal exit
The quarter-final lineup features a mix of Premier League heavyweights and underdogs, with Manchester City preparing to host Bradford City at the Etihad Stadium. The holders advanced to this stage after a tense penalty shootout victory over Brighton, while Bradford City stands as the only other non-Premier League side remaining in the competition. This matchup highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where lower-league teams continue to challenge top-flight giants, adding significant narrative weight to the upcoming fixtures.
The remaining two quarter-final ties are exclusively Premier League affairs, showcasing the depth of the top flight. Liverpool, who survived a penalty shootout against Chelsea, will host Bournemouth, while Crystal Palace takes on Sunderland at Selhurst Park. These matches promise high-intensity contests as top-tier clubs look to secure a place in the semi-finals, but Fleetwood Town’s journey remains the focal point of the EFL Cup draw, having already rewritten the record books by surpassing their previous best run of the third round.
Source: BBC
