Bournemouth and Sunderland Secure Carabao Cup Quarter‑Final Spots

Bournemouth Dominates Aston Villa 3‑0

Bournemouth continued its impressive run of form with a comprehensive 3‑0 victory over Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium, securing a place in the Carabao Cup quarter‑finals for the first time in eight seasons. The Cherries opened the scoring in the seventh minute when a fine team move saw Amine Adli fire home from close range after a lofted cross from Julio Soler. Bournemouth’s captain, Lewis Cook, doubled the lead early in the second half with a low, in‑swinger from a short corner, and Álvaro Rodríguez sealed the win with a composed finish into the bottom‑right corner after Tyler Adams intercepted a loose pass.

Villa, five‑time League Cup winners, struggled to create clear chances and were denied several opportunities by goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Alysson tested the home defence, but Bournemouth’s back line kept a fifth consecutive clean sheet, easing into the last eight where they will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Sunderland Holds Off Brentford in a 3‑2 Thriller

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland produced a late surge to beat Brentford 3‑2, with Chemsdine Talbi, Timur Tutierov and Malick Fofana on target. The home side fell behind early as Brentford’s Nathan Collins headed a free kick into the arms of goalkeeper Melker Ellborg, leading to a rebound that Michael Kayode directed against the post. Sunderland responded through a swift counter‑attack, with winger Jocelin Ta Bi setting up Tutierov for the equaliser.

Ta Bi was involved in the second goal as well, crossing to Fofana for a header into the top corner. Brentford pulled one back just before half‑time through Callum Wilson, who tapped in from close range after a scuffed shot. The visitors pressed for an equaliser in the second half, with Igor Thiago’s header eventually slipping under Ellborg to cause a late scare, but Sunderland held on.

The win marks Sunderland’s first appearance in the competition’s quarter‑finals since they were a League One team five years ago. They will now travel to Crystal Palace for their next tie.

Impact on the Competition

Both Bournemouth and Sunderland have progressed to the last eight, joining the remaining eight clubs that will be drawn in a tie scheduled for the week commencing 14 December. The fixtures will be determined by the Carabao Cup draw, which will be broadcast on the competition’s official channels. Bournemouth’s path now includes a visit to Liverpool, while Sunderland faces Crystal Palace, setting up two high‑profile ties that promise further drama.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unknown

Confirmed

• Exact match results: Bournemouth 3‑0 Aston Villa; Sunderland 3‑2 Brentford.
• Goal scorers and key match events as detailed above.
• Dates for the quarter‑final ties: week of 14 December.
• Venues for the next round: Bournemouth at Liverpool ( Anfield ), Sunderland at Crystal Palace (Selhurst Park).

Uncertain

• The full draw results that will determine which quarter‑final pairings are made.
• Any potential fixture congestion or scheduling adjustments that may arise from the draw.

How Readers Can Verify the Information

The complete match reports and official announcements are available on the Guardian’s coverage of the Carabao Cup fourth‑round ties: [https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/28/carabao-cup-fouth-round-bournemouth-aston-villa-sunderland-brentford](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/28/carabao-cup-fouth-round-bournemouth-aston-villa-sunderland-brentford). Readers can cross‑check the goal details, player performances, and the scheduled dates for the upcoming quarter‑final week.

Practical Takeaways for Fans

• Ticket availability: With two local clubs advancing, fans should monitor official club websites for ticket releases for the upcoming fixtures at Anfield and Selhurst Park.
• Broadcast details: The Carabao Cup quarter‑final draw will be streamed on the competition’s official YouTube channel, providing live updates for scheduling.
• Team news: Both Bournemouth and Sunderland are likely to rotate squads for the next round, offering opportunities for younger players to impress.

This round of the Carabao Cup has set the stage for two compelling knockout ties, adding to the excitement of the domestic cup season.