Liverpool could face a difficult path to lifting the 2026/27 Carabao Cup, according to a simulated draw ahead of the official quarter-final draw.
With the quarter-final draw scheduled for Wednesday night, the simulation has predicted a challenging series of fixtures for Andoni Iraola’s side.
The Reds must first overcome Chelsea at Anfield before potentially facing Everton or Newcastle United in the quarter-finals. Either opponent would present a serious test, with a possible Merseyside derby adding even more pressure.
Elsewhere, the simulation predicts that Fleetwood Town could face Bournemouth or Aston Villa after their stunning penalty-shootout victory over Arsenal. Bradford City are projected to meet either Fulham or Crystal Palace, while Manchester City could face Sunderland or Brentford if they progress past Brighton.
🏆 SIMULATED QUARTER-FINAL DRAW:
🔹 Bournemouth/Aston Villa vs Fleetwood Town
🔹 Sunderland/Brentford vs Manchester City/Brighton
🔹 Fulham/Crystal Palace vs Bradford City
🔹 Everton/Newcastle United vs Liverpool/Chelsea
The quarter-finals are scheduled for the week commencing December 14.
🔥 THE ROAD TO THE FINAL
The simulation also predicts that Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham could reach the semi-finals.
In that scenario, Liverpool would face Aston Villa, with the first leg at Villa Park, while Manchester City would take on Fulham.
That could set up a blockbuster Liverpool vs Manchester City final, renewing one of English football’s biggest rivalries on the Carabao Cup stage.
However, Liverpool would need to navigate a potentially brutal run of matches to get there, starting with Chelsea and possibly followed by Everton or Newcastle, before facing another tough semi-final opponent.
Can Iraola lead Liverpool all the way to the trophy, or will their difficult route prove too much? 👀🏆
