Brentford Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Ball Number, Potential Opponents & TV Details

Brentford will be hoping to have a place in Wednesday evening’s Carabao Cup quarter-final draw, but Keith Andrews’ side must first overcome Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Bees are aiming to reach the last eight for a third successive season, after beating Birmingham City and Reading in the previous rounds. Their cup campaign began with a 6-1 victory at St Andrew’s before Callum Wilson and Fábio Carvalho scored in a 2-1 win at Reading.

Sunderland are next, with the two Premier League sides meeting at 7.45pm GMT on Wednesday. The winner will progress to December’s quarter-finals, while the losing side will be eliminated before the draw takes place later that evening.

Brentford were knocked out by Newcastle United in the quarter-finals two seasons ago and Manchester City at the same stage last term. Their best run in the competition came in 2020/21, when they reached the semi-finals before losing to Tottenham.

The English Football League has confirmed it will release official ball numbers on Wednesday, October 28.

Unlike Everton and Newcastle United, who will be represented by a shared entry because they do not play until Thursday, Brentford and Sunderland will know their fate before the draw begins.

If Brentford win, they will take their place among the eight quarter-finalists. Should Sunderland progress, the Black Cats will instead be represented in the draw.

Brentford could face any of the other seven teams in the quarter-finals if they defeat Sunderland, with the draw taking place without seeding or geographical restrictions.

Two clubs have already secured their places following Tuesday’s fourth-round matches.

Bradford City defeated Peterborough United 2-0 to become the first League One side through, while League Two’s Fleetwood Town caused a major upset by knocking out Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties.

The remaining quarter-final places will be decided by the following ties:

* Manchester City vs Brighton

* Bournemouth vs Aston Villa

* Fulham vs Crystal Palace

* Liverpool vs Chelsea

* Sunderland vs Brentford

* Everton vs Newcastle United

Fleetwood Town and Bradford City are already confirmed quarter-finalists, while Everton’s meeting with Newcastle takes place on Thursday, after the draw has been completed.

Manchester City, the competition’s defending champions, also hope to progress, but they must overcome Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.

Should Brentford beat Sunderland, their next opponents could therefore come from either the Premier League or the lower divisions.

The quarter-final draw takes place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following Liverpool’s fourth-round meeting with Chelsea at Anfield.

The match kicks off at 8pm GMT, with the draw expected around 10.15 pm. The EFL has not confirmed an exact start time, so proceedings could begin later depending on when the game finishes.

Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones will host the draw, with former Liverpool defender Conor Coady and former Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux conducting proceedings.

By then, Brentford will know whether they have earned a place in the last eight.

Sky Sports will broadcast the draw live in the United Kingdom, and subscribers can also follow proceedings on Sky Go.

Liverpool’s meeting with Chelsea will be shown on Sky Sports Football and ITV1, although the EFL has only confirmed Sky Sports as the broadcaster for the draw itself.

Brentford’s fourth-round tie against Sunderland will be available live on Sky Sports+, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.

The quarter-finals are scheduled for the week commencing Monday, December 14, 2026, with individual fixture dates and kick-off times to be confirmed after the draw.

The semi-final first legs are scheduled for the week commencing January 11, 2027, with the return fixtures taking place during the week commencing February 1.

The Carabao Cup final will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 21, 2027.