LONDON, Sept 27: League Cup holders Tottenham were handed an intriguing tie against Liverpool in Saturday’s fourth round draw which will see Ireland captain Robbie Keane return to face his former side.

Spurs, who defeated Chelsea to lift the trophy last season, took a break from their league troubles to dump Newcastle out in the previous round and must beat top-flight opposition again if they are to progress.

Liverpool travel to White Hart Lane as the most successful side in league cup history, last winning the competition in 2005.

Arsenal’s much-vaunted youngsters, who demolished Sheffield United 6-0 last time out, will get another chance to impress, this time against Premier League opponents Wigan at the Emirates.

Sunderland and Blackburn, managed by former Manchester United stars Roy Keane and Paul Ince respectively, will also face each other at the Stadium of Light.

Chelsea have been handed a home draw against a Burnley side who accounted for Fulham with a 1-0 win in the third round, while United are also paired with a side capable of giant-killing.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men face Iain Dowie’s QPR, who came out 1-0 winners over on-form Aston Villa on Wednesday, ending a sequence of three consecutive wins for Martin O’Neill’s team.

The other remaining Premier League side in the draw, Stoke, are at home to Rotherham - whop ousted struggling Championship side Southampton — and Championship sides Swansea and Watford will meet at the Liberty Stadium.

The final match sees Leeds visit one of Brighton or Derby, who play their third-round clash on Nov 4.

Fourth round draw:

Sunderland v Blackburn

Arsenal v Wigan

Chelsea v Burnley

Swansea v Watford

Manchester United v QPR

Stoke v Rotherham

Brighton or Derby v Leeds

Tottenham v Liverpool

All matches will be played in the week commencing November 10.—AFP