Carabao Cup fourth round draw ball numbers, date and time with Chelsea in action

The draw for the fourth-round of the Carabao Cup is right around the corner (Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Chelsea are off to a patchy start in the 2025/26 season, and the upcoming Carabao Cup third round offers a chance to build some momentum. The Blues have been drawn away to League One outfit Lincoln City - marking their fourth away game in a row following trips to Brentford , Bayern Munich and Manchester United .

For Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca , this is a vital opportunity to rotate the squad , build confidence, and make some tangible progress after going three games without a win. However, the Carabao Cup is known for its unpredictability, so the Blues - who last won the competition in 2015 - will need to be on their guard.

The second round delivered one of the biggest giant-killings in recent memory, with Manchester United being dumped out by fourth-tier side Grimsby Town. Premier League teams Sunderland and Leeds also fell to lower-league opposition - suggesting this year's competition could be one of the most wide-open in recent memory.

When is the Carabao Cup fourth round draw?

The draw for the fourth round will take place on Wednesday, September 24. It will take place after the Port Vale vs Arsenal game, which kicks off at 8pm BST.

The live link-up for the draw is expected around 10pm, depending on whether the Port Vale-Arsenal fixture finishes in normal time or goes to penalties.

How can I watch the fourth round draw?

Supporters can watch the draw via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Sky will also stream it on their YouTube channel Sky Sports Football and across social media for free.

The build-up for Port Vale vs Arsenal will begin at 7pm, with the draw immediately following full-time.

Manchester United suffered the first major giant-killing of the season after being knocked out of the cup by Grimsby Town last month (Image: George Wood, Getty Images)

Which teams are in the draw?

The 16 sides that come through the third round will be in the hat. Four teams have already secured their place: Grimsby, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Swansea. Here's a look at the remaining teams - and the ball numbers to watch out for:

All teams in the fourth-round draw have been allocated ball numbers (Image: Getty Images)

When are the fourth round matches being played?

They'll take place in the week beginning Monday, October 27, with most expected to take place on Tuesday, October 28 or Wednesday, October 29. Official kick-off times will be confirmed once the draw is done. All ties are one-legged, with the first-drawn side hosting.

When will the third round matches be completed?

Four third round fixtures have already been played, with 12 more to come. All of the remaining matches will take place on Tuesday, September 23 and Wednesday, September 24.

Chelsea's clash with Lincoln takes places on Tuesday, with kick-off set for 7.45pm.