League Cup last-16 as it happened

1. Under strength Newcastle send City out
2. Silva forced off with injury in defeat
3. Lamela and Kane on target in Spurs win
4. Saints knock out Stoke in five-goal thriller

Goodnight

Right then. Time to knock this League Cup evening on the head. Once again, thanks for all your contributions. I'll leave you with the draw for the last eight...

Derby v Chelsea

Tottenham v Newcastle

Bournemouth v Liverpool

Sheffield United v Southampton

Now, what time does the Ed Sheeran concert start...

Manager reaction

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Stoke City manager Mark Hughes on his side's 3-2 defeat by Southampton: "We put in a good effort in the second half compared to the first half where we didn't have the intensity I was looking for.

"I was delighted with the second-half performance but just a lack of concentration when the ball came into the box and we are getting punished.

"Maybe the sending off has affected our concentration somewhat and at 3-2 it's difficult to take but we need to build a full 90-minute performance."

The Potters were 2-0 down and fought back to 2-2 before Peter Crouch was sent off and the visitors scored the winner from the resulting free-kick.

Manager reaction

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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino reacts to a 2-0 win over Brighton: "All competitions that we are in, our objective is to try to win and why not?

"I'm happy for the team. Always it's difficult to play after a defeat and we need to improve our concentration but always it's my responsibility in this aspect.

"All the players played well and the team deserved the victory. It always lifts confidence and trust and the objective is done.

"I never feel the pressure, I understand my job and my position. Like any manager, positive results mean you are a very good manager, you lose and you are very bad, but I have the balance in my life."

Graziano Pelle has scored nine goals in his last 10 games for Southampton in all competitions. Buy of the season? The Michu of his time? He's looking a bargain at £8m.

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Ant, a Liverpool fan: Re Dave B (22.15)... Liverpool won the League Cup two years ago after we had all away games prior to the semi-finals so if we could make it I'm sure Southampton can :)

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Manager reaction

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "We are conceding goals. We are not moving the ball as fast as we normally do. It was not a good week. We drew in Russia and have had two defeats but we must continue trying to recover, to think about the future.

How will Man City react ahead of Manchester derby? "We will see on Sunday, we will try to react as soon as we can."

Manager reaction

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says even he is "a little bit" surprised by his side's early season form. The Saints now have nine wins from 10 and the Dutchman believes the latest - which arrived after they had squandered a two-goal lead - was justified.

"I think it was deserved because we created more chances than Stoke," says Koeman. "We like to win every game and we'd like to win a title. It's maybe not the most important but maybe for us yes it is the most important."

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The result was never in doubt at the Lane...

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Sanj: That's as good a draw as you can get. All four small teams at home to bigger sides. Great for them & the neutrals.

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Dave B, a Southampton fan: Away again! Has there ever been a team draw an away fixture in each round who reached the final? (or won it!)

League Cup draw reaction

Southampton's Steven Davis, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "We seem to be picking up away draws but I am delighted to get through tonight. They made it difficult for us and we are delighted to be through to the next round.

"Every game we play we want to win. We have good competition throughout the team and it is a good place to be at this point of time. We now look forward to Sheffield United."

In their last 10 matches, Southampton have now won nine and lost one, scoring 28 and conceding just six. Here are the full-time stats from the Britannia:

BBC

League Cup draw reaction

Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane, speaking about drawing Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 live: "It is a fantastic tie for us. We drew them in the FA Cup last year and they probably deserved their two-goal lead they took from our place but it will be a good opportunity to go up against them again.

"We are a better squad. We have more depth, the squad is much better and in terms of form we can't have too many complaints. No-one here will go into the game in fear of them, we look forward to it."

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Tony Curr: Can't remember a more unlikely NUFC win. Taylor inspiring, Dummett invincible, and Aarons so exciting. What a night.

Chris Hammond: Bournemouth drawn at home to Liverpool in next round of Capital One Cup. Good luck getting a ticket for that one!

Josh Barfield: Top vs Top in the Capital One Cup That's one for the scriptwriters! #dcfc

Manager reaction

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew: "It's a marvellous performance from Newcastle tonight. Everything we wanted and tried to get from the game came off. We always carried a threat even from the first minute.

On criticism from the Newcastle fans this season: "I do know what I'm doing. I think I've had most of the scalps as Newcastle manager, maybe except Arsenal and I look forward to playing them next. This was a victory for our fans.

"I've been criticised for not concentrating on the cups, but I think I've been unlucky when they've come around. I had a culled group tonight and we had to protect ourselves a bit for Liverpool. But now we can take confidence and belief into that game."

Reuters

What do we make of that draw, then? The three non-Premier League teams are all at home. More cupsets on the cards?

League Cup draw

Derby v Chelsea

Tottenham v Newcastle

Bournemouth v Liverpool

Sheffield United v Southampton

League Cup draw

Fancy a bit of a cup draw? Here it is...

Manager reaction

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "There was so much going on today for us. A 17 year-old and an 18 year-old playing as well as Ryan Taylor's first game. We also had belief from the two victories we had and carried that into today's game.

"We thought our pace could unsettle them, particularly Gabriel Obertan. He was outstanding tonight. I thought he was the best player on the pitch. Paul Dummett, I don't know what to say about that boy, he does the job. I don't think he made a mistake all game and against a side like City it speaks volumes about the potential he has.

"We had to take Ryan Taylor out of right-back because he could not move anymore and I think one of our staff will have to scrape him off his bed tomorrow because he won't be able to move!

"It has been difficult the first part of this season but we believe in ourselves, have come through that spell and we have a great chance on Saturday to give our fans something to shout about."

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Manager reaction

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini refuses to be drawn on the chances of David Silva and Yaya Toure being fit for Sunday's derby against Manchester United.

Both Ivory Coast powerhouse Toure and Spain star Silva were taken off with injuries. "We will see tomorrow what the doctors say," says the Chilean boss.

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Jumaane Brown: Good win for the Spurs. Gotta feel if we play Kane and Soldado we'll do alright. Their link-up can only get better with time.

Felix Culmer: As a Newcastle fan I'm in heaven! Couldn't have asked for more from the boys!

John Russell: Apart, perhaps, from Real, who is going to stop Chelsea from winning everything this season?

Honestly, it's nearly time for the draw. Hang in there...

Manager reaction

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini: "We didn't play well enough - we conceded two easy goals and didn't take our chances to score.

"The team ran a lot, tried to do things better but we couldn't because we're not in a good moment. I think Newcastle deserved to win, although we had four or five chances to score.

"It's difficult to say what happened but must recover our trust as a team. We will continue to try to recover ahead of the derby."

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Player reaction

Newcastle midfielder Gabriel Obertan on Sky Sports: "It's an amazing result. I have been here a long time but this is the first win in Manchester. The confidence has always been there we just kept working hard and we had a good philosophy, so it's amazing for the whole club, the fans and the manager."

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Right, let's get those numbers drawn. Here comes the draw for the last eight of the League Cup...

Player reaction

Newcastle goalscorer Rolando Aarons: "We are buzzing in the dressing room. It has given the club a massive lift. It's been a great week."

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Jonathan Cowley: City have been found out. MP's insistence on playing one way regardless of opposition is costing us. Needs to adapt dependent on opposition. Players also lacking fight and desire to win. West Ham and Newcastle out-battled and out-fought us.

FULL-TIME

You're in the hat, Spurs fans. The draw is coming your way shortly.

CLOSE!

Nacer Chadli shoots wide as this game enters added time, but it does not matter because it looks like it is pretty much job done for Tottenham.

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

On Twitter: I got hammered on here a few weeks ago when I suggested that Alan Pardew still had the dressing room. I'm listening? Superb goal from Sissoko. Best I've seen Newcastle play in yonks. Amazing what a couple of wins can do.

Standby for the draw for the last eight. It's coming up in a minute or two.

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Shuvam Sinha: Give him a full-strength squad, and Pardew will do you the honours. Newcastle fans, where are the banners now?

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WB: Well done Pards. I wanted you out as a symbol of the Ashley era, but your reaction has been class. Howay!

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Player reaction

Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor, speaking to Sky Sports: "We came here on the back of two good wins. It was a fairytale. It was a dream which all came true. It's been two years of hard graft to get back playing. What a performance that was from the lads. We've had three away games, so we'd like a home tie next."

PA

Newcastle throw themselves into one giant huddle in the centre circle. It means a lot.

SUBSTITUTION

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 lvie sports extra

"Listen to the reception Harry Kane is getting as he goes off. They appreciate the efforts he has put in and I would like Pochettino to give him a start now because he has done enough."

FULL-TIME

The holders are no more. Newcastle are into the last eight.

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Tottenham are in cruise control now. Referee Mark Clattenburg can start the car.

A poor backpass from Eliaquim Mangala and Sammy Ameobi almost gets in on goal. The keeper rushes from his line to mop up.

Newcastle let the clock tick down from a corner. Three minutes of injury time left.

FULL-TIME

Those Saints look unstoppable.

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Stoke pump the ball forward in injury time. Their goose looks cooked.

INJURY TIME

Six minutes to be added on. City fans... do you believe?

City striker Stevan Jovetic heads wide from Aleksandar Kolarov's deep cross. Fans pile into the exits.

The holders are heading out. One minute of normal time left. Newcastle have everyone back.

Reuters

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It started from Michel Vorm. He played it out wide and it was a fantastic break. It was great to see Harry Kane get on the end of it, he deserves that. Kane has that sense at the moment, that he knows he is going to score. He goes out on to the pitch and knows when he has a chance he will score."

CLOSE!

Manchester City almost make it game on again at the Etihad. Edin Dzeko looks certain to score, only to be somehow denied by Newcastle midfielder Ryan Taylor's diving block on the line. Not sure what part of the body he stopped it with, but it did the trick.

GOAL

It's all happening now. Spurs appear to have booked their place in the last eight as Andros Townsend sends in a low cross which Roberto Soldado strikes goalwards, Christian Walton saves but Harry Kane is there to convert.

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GOAL

No sooner does Peter Crouch leave the pitch does the resulting free-kick land at the feet of Graziano Pelle six yards from goal. He is in prolific form and does not pass up the invitation as he drills the ball home. This is ding-dong stuff. Penny for the thoughts of Peter Crouch.

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RED CARD

Peter Crouch, who has only been on the field for 14 minutes, is shown a second yellow card and is sent off against his former club.

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Bacary Sagna's a naughty boy as he treads on Sammy Ameobi's back. The ref doesn't appear to see it though. Eight minutes to go.

Manchester City are panicked now. There's real tension about the place as James Milner's cross from inside the area evades a City attacker.

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Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Brighton have made a change in their tactics, they are coming out now to press Tottenham and they are getting a lot of the ball. I'm sure Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino would like to see a second goal."

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Tom from Worcester, City fan: Currently the worst I've seen City play for seasons. Lack of cohesion and creativity. Slightly worried for the rest of the season.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"What a fabulous goal - absolutely brilliant. Where Fernandinho is going I don't know - he might as well go for a cup of tea. But what a finish by Sissoko. Wonder if Alan Pardew fancies a cup run now? Newcastle have been fantastic tonight."

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GOAL

Stoke have battered the Southampton goal down in the last few minutes and a run of four consecutive corners ends with the ball in the net. Mame Biram Diouf stoops at the back post to nod home and the Britannia is alive with noise.

GOAL

Game, set and match? Newcastle's cup dream is well and truly on. Moussa Sissoko nets an absolute belter - the midfielder gliding past Fernandinho with some skills on the edge of the box, nutmegging Bacary Sagna and sliding the ball past Willy Caballero.

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Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"I think the referee has given more decisions to the home team. Any 50-50 decisions have gone to City."

Sixteen to go and Newcastle still hold the lead - Aleksandar Kolarov firing a free-kick straight at Rob Elliot.

HITS THE WOODWORK

The shackles are off and Tottenham are looking much more confident after Erik Lamela's opener as Robert Soldado smashes a shot against the frame of the goal. The hosts are in control, and you a sense there are a few more goals to come.

SUBSTITUTION

Charlie Adam and Peter Crouch enter the fray in place of Bojan and Geoff Cameron. Stoke need something if they are to reach the quarter-final stage for the second year in a row. Bojan will rue missed opportunities as the Spaniard blazed over shortly before being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTION

The holders are worried now. Sergio Aguero comes on for Samir Nasri, who was a first-half substitute himself. The Frenchman lasted 60 minutes on his return from injury.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"Alan Pardew is furious. It was a brilliant ball by Sammy Ameobi but I think Kolarov gets the ball. I think that's a fabulous tackle and the referee Stuart Attwell has got it right."

Reuters

PENALTY APPEAL

A game-changing moment? Gabriel Obertan races through on goal and is wiped out by Aleksandar Kolarov's lunging tackle. For my money, City have got away with one...

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Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That was absolutely brilliant. They played a beautiful one-two and fair play to the lad he finished it beautifully. He keeps doing it in the Premier League and Europa League."

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GOAL

Finally the breakthrough, and it was a lovely worked move as Robert Soldado and Erik Lamela exchange passes, allowing the latter to weave into the area before sliding a shot beyond young Christian Walton.

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Peter Collins: This has been great from Newcastle. Players playing for the club and manager. What crisis?

Former Stoke City defender and 1972 League Cup winner Denis Smith on BBC Radio Stoke: "Stoke look the most likely. It's an even game really but if I had to pick on team to get the next one it would be Stoke."

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Andy, Birmingham: Re. 20:58. Imagine if it was standard protocol to include player's middle names when live match reporting. Guidetti would push you over the edge...

What? John Alberto Fernando Andres Luigi Olof Guidetti. Almost as long as Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas.

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I keep saying it, that is what Tottenham need to do, get the ball wide and get crosses into the box. Brighton are so compact in the middle of the pitch that if a goal is to come, it will be from out wide. Harry Kane was inches away then."

CLOSE!

Chance for Spurs - Harry Kane heading Kyle Naughton's decent cross wide. Brighton hanging on a little now.

Mehdi Abeid is down injured on the Etihad turf after being practically clothes-lined by Eliaquim Mangala. That hurt. All arms and legs is Mangala.

Both sides are having their moments at the Britannia and each has forced a couple of corners. Southampton remain in the lead, though.

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SUBSTITUTION

Yaya Toure is hooked off, replaced by Jesus Navas. Aleksandar Kolarov takes up the captain's armband.

SUBSTITUTION

Tottenham have made a half-time change - Erik Lamela replacing Aaron Lennon.

Just over half an hour to go at the Etihad and Newcastle have every man behind the ball now. Edin Dzeko takes a pop from outside the area but Paul Dummett charges the effort down.

KICK-OFF

Mark Clattenburg gets us back under way at the Lane. Can Brighton hold on and nick one?

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"Newcastle need to get through these next eight minutes because you make milestones get to 60 minutes, 70 minutes. They need to get through these sections.

"The last thing Man City would want, with the derby coming up, is extra-time. City have been sloppy, lax and too casual at times."

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Asadur Rahman: If Newcastle win this I vote Alan Pardew for manager of the the month.

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Here's more on the fishy footballers theme...

Stuart, Putney: Jonjo Shellfish has been playing quite well for Swansea. Having a whale of a time in Wales.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Gabriel Obertan laces the ball into the Manchester City net, after being played in by Ryan Taylor, but the goal is chalked off for offside.

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GREAT SAVE!

Shane Long's eyes light up as he finds shooting space but Asmir Begovic puts up resistance with a stunning one-handed save. What a chance for Southampton. They have never won this competition remember and have not reached the last eight since 2004.

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Chris: Re Spurs struggling on a small pitch. It's been going on for years. Don't understand why we don't sit back and invite teams onto us, creating space to move into ourselves. Problem solved.

Up in Scotland, John Guidetti, who is on loan from Manchester City, has netted a hat-trick for Celtic in their League Cup tie. How City could do with the Swede's goals this evening. Follow the action from north of the border here.

A bit of a bandage and Aleksandar Kolarov is fine to return to the field of play. Forty minutes left at the Etihad.

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Neil Bourne: Mate and I watching Spurs and we came up with a new expression - Townsending i.e. dribbling aimlessly with no end product.

AFP

Now it's Aleksandar Kolarov who has gone down injured for Manchester City - it looks like he's hurt his elbow. Take your boots on Sunday, City fans... you might get a game at this rate.

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Mark, Newcastle: Re Barry in Malta (20:44)... Might have found Jason Cod but missed out on Mark Fish - although Matt Le Fishier more than made up for it.

SUBSTITUTION

A half-time sub from Newcastle to tell you about... Sammy Ameobi replaces goalscorer Rolando Aarons, who is still returning to full fitness after injury.

KICK-OFF

Just a little heads-up Newcastle fans... City were 0-0 at half-time against Sheffield Wednesday earlier on in this competition. Then they scored seven.

Interestingly, Newcastle have been out ready for the second half for a few minutes. City were late out. Has Manuel been chucking the club's best china about?

AFP

GOAL

Steven N'Zonzi gives Stoke City hope with a drive from 25 yards low past Fraser Forster. The leggy midfielder opened up to run at the Saints' defence and took up the opportunity to let fly. The perfect start to the second period for Stoke who seem to have been on the end of some motivational words from Mark Hughes at half-time.

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I think Tottenham have played quite well. They played it around nice and had a few chances but Brighton's gameplan is working and they look dangerous on the break. When Lualua gets on the ball he is getting by players too easily."

KICK-OFF

Former Stoke City defender and 1972 League Cup winner Denis Smith on BBC Radio Stoke: "The changing room obviously wasn't a very nice place to be as the Stoke players were out early. I would imagine Mark Hughes has been getting right into them."

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HALF-TIME

Spurs are getting a tad frustrated at the Lane.

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Barry in Malta: Re the success of Saints Academy (19:32) the point about our large catchment area is often made, but nobody mentions that 50% of it is in the sea!

Is that were they found Jason Cod? Sorry, Dodd...

We're drifting towards half-time at the Lane. Tottenham appear to be being stifled. Back to the small pitch debate (19:37)?

Half-time stats

It's what you do with the ball that counts...

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Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenahm midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Tonight is a big night for Robert Soldado. He and Emmanuel Adebayor need to get their goal tally up - they only have two each - because people like Harry Kane are putting pressure on them. Kane deserves his chance at the moment."

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John Pierce: Ghostbusters at HT at City on the Tannoy. Nice.

The Halloween CD has been dug out. But who is Manuel Pellegrini gunna call?

CLOSE!

A flurry of chances for Tottenham as Brighton keeper Christian Walton gets down well to keep out a fierce Robert Soldado drive, before Harry Kane shoots over the bar shortly after seeing another effort blocked.

Scottish League Cup latest

We're at the quarter-final stages in the Scottish League Cup and it's half-time in tonight's three matches. Celtic lead Partick Thistle 1-0, Hibs trail Dundee United 2-1 and Aberdeen are 1-0 up against Hamilton.

Full commentary of those matches here.

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Andros Townsend needs to keep his width. He keeps drifting inside and it is very congested there, with Harry Kane and Robert Soldado. If he stays out wide Moussa Demble will be able to find him, because that is where the spaces will be. Width is key."

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"Fantastic half for Newcastle. Alan Pardew will be delighted, he could not have asked any more of his team. City have been nowhere near their best. On clear-cut chances you could say Newcastle should be 2-1 up. Paul Dummett had a great opportunity but volleyed straight at City keeper Caballero."

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HALF-TIME

Newcastle head in for the break having almost gone 2-0 up - Martin Demichelis getting a timely touch to deny Adam Armstrong from six yards out. A fine cross from Daryl Janmaat created the chance. The Magpies are on top.

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Matthew Harmonyx: Newcastle's last 90 minutes of football have been absolutely superb. How long will it last?

Michael Horsfield: I am a City fan and I do not believe we will win anything this year. We have to many individual players who are not performing.

Stuart Ingram: Townsend is 1-dimensional….When he gets the ball, he shoots..1 or 2 wonder goals a year do not make a great player.

Eliaquim Mangala rises high and powers a header from a corner over the bar. So far, it's not looking like Manchester City's night.

HALF-TIME

The treble's still on for Southampton.

Southampton are bossing things at the Britannia - Graziano Pelle having another pop at goal, but this time it's not on target.

CLOSE!

Brighton have soaked up that pressure from Tottenham and venture forward on a little attack of their own as Lewis Dunk sends a half volley over the bar.

Seagulls boss Sami Hyypia screams in frustration seconds later, he thinks there has been an infringement in the Tottenham area, but nothing given.

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Neil the Blue: Are City any better than the team that won the title last year?

GREAT SAVE!

Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot already appears to be having one of those nights - this time repelling Yaya Toure after the Ivorian had checked inside and fired in a low shot from range.

Jesus Navas is warming up for Manchester City. A half-time change in the offing?

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Brighton are defending in numbers and it is hard to break down when teams do this and Brighton will get more and more confident as the game goes on.

"What is important for Spurs is that they are patient, because eventually they will wear teams down. As a midfielder, if you are in a side that is defending like Brighton are eventually your legs start to burn. Tottenham need to keep the tempo high and keep pressing."

AFP

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Rich from London: As a Stoke fan I find it very unfair that we have to play Southampton twice in row. At least space the games out so there's a bit of gap between them beating us twice.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Stoke have the ball in the net but Jonathan Walters' thumping effort will not count as the linesman has his flag up. Walters appeared to be just offside, so home frustration continues.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"That should have been a penalty (20:19) - Mangala had Dummett in a headlock."

Now Yaya Toure goes down in pain. He eventually hobbles back on, but Manchester City fans will be wringing their hands in nervous tension ahead of Sunday's derby, with David Silva already off injured. United fans will be rubbing their hands together.

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Nabil Waheed: Pelle by name, Pele by nature

Cabbageface: Better team than last season? #Saints

PA

GREAT SAVE!

Newcastle almost make it 2-0, as Paul Dummett recovers from being thrown to the floor by Eliaquim Mangala to get back up, find space and connect with a corner - but his powerful effort is matched by Willy Caballero's fine save.

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Edward Herbert: Lennon looks up for it tonight. Great to see him back in a #Tottenham shirt.

Hang on... we have a chance after all, Jan Vertonghen having a shot saved by Brighton's keeper.

Our man keeping tabs on events at the Lane says there's nothing happening at the moment. Tottenham remain the better team, though.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"Alan Pardew will be delighted with this. City have enjoyed plenty of possession, have got into a couple of promising positions but haven't done too much to trouble Rob Elliot other than that save from Stevan Jovetic and Fabricio Coloccini's lucky escape.

"Pardew is just hoping they can get to half-time without conceding. Then he can get his young players into the dressing room, sit them down and calm them down."

PA

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Paul the Blue Alien: Graziano Pelle is an absolute snip. Really classy player. Can hold up the ball, use both feets and score goals.

GOAL

There is no stopping Southampton and a flowing team move ends with Steven Davis cutting the ball back for Shane Long to whip their second from 10 yards.

It is Long's first goal for the club since his £12m summer move and puts Saints in complete control at the Britannia.

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HITS THE WOODWORK

Fabricio Coloccini is throwing himself at everything - but without regard at times, this time slicing Aleksandar Kolarov's low cross against his own post. Moments later, Stevan Jovetic blazes wide at the far post.

Referee Stuart Atwell has a word with Newcastle's Massadio Haidara as the Frenchman smashes right through the back of his compatriot Bacary Sagna. That'll bruise in the morning.

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Andros Townsend and Aaron Lennon are causing havoc and Brighton need to get hold of them. It is only a matter of time before they find the right cross or pass and someone gets on the end of it."

Tottenham are very much on the front foot at the Lane - Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend causing all sorts of problems down the flanks.

AFP

Nathaniel Clyne has to use every inch of his being to flick a cross out of the path of Marko Arnautovic as the Austrian sets himself for a close-range header.

Smart defending from the Southampton right-back and they have looked solid since taking an early lead.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"What a save from Rob Elliot. It was like pinball wizard around the Newcastle goal. Elliot got down very well. Nasri whipped in a fantastic ball to Jovetic and Elliot gets a big scoop with his right hand."

GREAT SAVE!

Rob Elliot keeps Newcastle in front with an instinctive save from Stevan Jovetic's 10-yard sidefoot, following Samir Nasri's cross from the right.

An early sighter for Tottenham's Harry Kane, who has a shot blocked by the Brighton defence.

PA

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Chris Baldwin: After 14 minutes, maybe a little early to get excited but Aarons looks an exciting English prospect!

No real chances at the Britannia since Southampton bagged. The Saints deserved their lead, but it's now settled into quite an even contest.

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Who is Rolando Aarons?

Who is Rolando Aarons? That is the question most Manchester City fans will be asking themselves right now. Newcastle's latest wonderkid, according to those in the know.

Eighteen-year-old Aarons has been likened to England star Raheem Sterling - not least because he was born in Jamaica before moving to these shores as a youngster, just like the Liverpool player.

Pacy forward Aarons grew up in Bristol and was released by local club Bristol City before joining Newcastle. He signed his first professional contract in April 2014 and made his debut on the opening weekend of this season - against Manchester City. The England Under-20 international scored his first goal in the 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace later in August.

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Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Delays in kick-offs can affect players' routines. Some players are superstitions so they will go through the routine of left boot on, right boot on etc and then when the delay is announced they have to go through it all again!

"It should not affect things too much, though, the key is to keep the muscles warm."

KICK-OFF

Fifteen minutes later than advertised, we have lift-off at White Hart Lane.

Fabricio Coloccini is throwing himself into tackles as though he's a footballing Rambo. Massive cheers from the away end as he stops Samir Nasri in his tracks.

Ryan Taylor, a bit of a free-kick specialist, stands over the ball 30 yards out but he's still rusty after that long lay-off and he fires a set-piece straight into the Manchester City wall.

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Gary Wilkinson: If Tadic assisted Pelle against Stoke, get him off. Save those assists for when they can win me fantasy football points!

Liz Tray: Not only have we been average to poor all season but now, 4 days before a derby, Pellegrini has risked Silva and it's backfired.

Former Stoke City defender and 1972 League Cup winner Denis Smith on BBC Radio Stoke: "It's a great finish but Stoke have to do better themselves. They are not closing down right and Pelle has too much time to turn, though he still has a lot to do. A super finish and you cannot give him that much space."

SUBSTITUTION

What a start at the Etihad, where David Silva limps off with an injured left knee which was sustained just before the Newcastle goal went in. Samir Nasri, making his own return from injury, replaces the playmaker. Injury worries ahead of the derby for City.

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GOAL

Alan Pardew's a managerial genius. Or something like that. One of the precocious teenagers he has brought into the team stuns the Etihad. The chance comes from Fernandinho's mistake deep into his own half and Rolando Aarons picks up the ball before confidently sliding it past Willy Caballero.

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GOAL

Everyone is wondering if Graziano Pelle's bubble will burst, but the Italian now has eight club goals for the season and his latest is a stunner.

He picks the ball up centrally and is afforded some space by the Stoke defence to turn in devastating fashion and unleash an effort which curls and beats Asmir Begovic. Ronald Koeman's side lead. They have won eight of their last nine games. Some form.

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Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"David Silva is not the type of player to go down easily - and I'm not sure what he's done there. Maybe his studs got caught in the turf and if you do that you can jar your knee or jar your hip."

ACROBATIC EFFORT

Stoke have a morbid record against Southampton, with just three wins in the last 24 meetings. They start well at the Britannia though as Mame Biram Diouf attempts an overhead kick from eight yards but his effort is over the bar.

Worrying times for Manchester City as David Silva is innocuously bundles over on the edge of the box by Ryan Taylor. The Spanish playmaker clutches his left knee and the physio is called for.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

"Manchester City still have plenty of quality in their side - it is going to be very difficult for Newcastle. For Alan Pardew, clearly this competition is not their priority. If they were playing a Cardiff or a Swansea they might have thought they had a decent chance and played a stronger side."

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Thousands have made their way down from the north east for this one. Passionate fans, those Magpies. Nothing in it early doors - City in all blue, Newcastle in black and white.

Tasked with keeping out Tottenham for Brighton tonight is 18-year-old goalkeeper Christian Walton, making his debut for the Championship side. The teenager is highly rated, having reportedly been watched by Manchester City and Arsenal in recent months.

KICK-OFF

We're under way at the Etihad and also at the Britannia. Let it rain goals...

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Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's great to have a cup run and for these teams to field lesser teams it's maybe not insulting but I just don't know why they are doing it. Brighton and Tottenham are not on the best of runs at the moment and all it takes is a good cup run to come out of that."

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Peter Collins: The amount of criticism at Pardew is unbelievable. They haven't even kicked off yet!

Enough of this Ed Sheeran chat for now though. We'll stick with Ed Dzeko et al.

Mark Clattenburg is the ref tonight. Surely the game hasn't been delayed because the ref was late setting off because he couldn't find his Ed Sheeran CD for the car?

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More from Pards

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on Sky Sports: "It's a difficult game for us because we've got an early game on Saturday and I've had to look at that, so the team that I've put out is not as strong as I would have liked.

"Manchester City are vulnerable, West Ham showed that at the weekend and we'll be hoping to get at them and expose them tonight."

If Newcastle get soundly beaten tonight, especially after making so many changes, I fear Alan Pardew might get a few pelters heading his way. Or the odd letter from a neighbour (18:18).

Manager view

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is important tonight we get to grips with them when they have the ball, that is when they are most dangerous, but they are vulnerable."

'Our pitch is too small'

What are the worst excuses for sporting failure you've ever heard? Manchester United's grey kits?

Well, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has come up with a new one - the White Hart Lane pitch is too small at 100m long and 67m wide (it is the third smallest in the league!).

Pochettino said: "Our style means we need a bigger place to play because we play a positional game and it's true that White Hart Lane is a little bit tight. It's better for the opponent.

"For example, on Sunday, Newcastle play deep, same with West Brom and Liverpool, and it was difficult for us. We need time to adapt in our new set-up and understand out position better on the pitch."

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Conor McLoughlin: Good to see Newcastle make so many changes to their starting XI, their fans must be clean sick of winning trophies these days.

Diego the Alter Ego: Got no idea what Pardew is going with that line-up. Dummett is going to get torn apart at centre back.

There's an interesting article on the Stoke Sentinel website today, in which ex-Saints and Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham asks why Stoke don't produce the same amount of young players as Southampton do through their academy. His answer? Geography.

"Southampton have no local competition when signing new players, whereas Stoke have got around three or four clubs they have to compete with to sign just one player," says Higginbotham.

"Stoke have been unfortunate to miss out on some players in the past. Look at James Wilson at Manchester United. He's one of their hottest prospects, and he is from Stoke-on-Trent."

Thoughts? Is it as simple as location?

Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"First and foremost, Ryan Taylor is a great story and a side people don't realise, everyone just talks about these players being on so much money. Those moments in the gym where you're on your own and the team is playing are dark moments.

"That first tackle, whether he likes it or not, it will be in his head. Hopefully he has done enough in training. He would have had to go into training and take some hits just to get his mental side right before he goes into games."

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Glen Tuner: Spurs to win 3-0 tonight and a home tie in next round, preferably a lower league team, and we might sneak into Semi's

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live

"It is fantastic to see Ryan Taylor back from injury. You hope, for him on a personal level, this evening goes well. We saw how long it took Aaron Ramsey to overcome his long-term injury but hopefully it will all go well for him tonight."

Blue or red?

It's derby week in Manchester, which means a lot of City fans have already began turning their focus to the weekend visit of United. But could that work in Newcastle's favour tonight?

Amid all the excitement of derby week, Ian Charters, from Cheadle in Greater Manchester, has done the unthinkable and put his seven-month-old son Eddie's allegiance up for auction.

The father, from Cheadle, Greater Manchester, is inviting bidders to choose either Manchester City or Manchester United for the youngster - with the proceeds going to charity.

As part of the deal Ian says he will even buy Eddie a shirt and take him to matches.

It's also League Cup night in Scotland. Can Celtic join Rangers in the next round? Find out here.

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Svein Erik Gjelseng: I fear for Newcastle tonight. What on earth is Pardew thinking picking a side like that against City? Does he want the sack?

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If the atmosphere is good at the Etihad tonight, it might be because City supporters are making a concerted effort to improve the matchday experience within the ground. A fans group has asked for the club to help them turn the stadium into a Maine Road-style mass of colour and noise in future.

A statement from the group, printed in the Manchester Evening News, added: "The support is there but it is a mainly local, working class support and even though our prices may be cheap compared to Arsenal or Chelsea, getting the ticket prices right is key to getting enthusiastic passionate fans into the ground.

"School playgrounds in Manchester are turning Blue again and it should be easy for these supporters to access the stadium especially if there are empty seats. We need the stands full at kick off time so we can make the displays work!"

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

The game at White Hart Lane has been delayed by 15 minutes because of traffic congestion. 8pm now. Radio commentary on Sports Extra will now begin at 19:45, with 15 minutes build-up to the match.

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Danny: I've studied the Toon's line-up for a good five minutes and still have absolutely no idea what formation we're going for. Full backs everywhere.

Here's the line-up again: Elliot, Janmaat, Coloccini, Dummett, Haidara, Colback, Ryan Taylor, Abeid, Obertan, Armstrong, Aarons.

Defoe to Newcastle?

AP

Heading into tonight's match, Newcastle have been linked with a January loan move for ex-Spurs striker Jermain Defoe - but that's all news to the man himself.

Speaking in the Newcastle Chronicle, Defoe said: "I was at home seeing other things - like 'Jermain Defoe might be going to Newcastle'. I'm thinking: 'What? That's news to me.' It was mad.

"If a new club wants you they speak to your agent or the club you're at. As a player you're often in the dark."

If Newcastle do swoop, they might need to knock Harry Redknapp out of the way. Defoe added: "I remember speaking to Harry months ago and he said: 'Yeah, in the off-season you're going to come train and play for us and score goals.'"

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Jatin Vaja: Is the draw for quarter-finals after the final whistle?

It certainly is, Jatin. Stay tuned and you'll see it here.

Manager's view

EPA

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini: "We have not had the results we wanted in the last two games, now we're playing the first of three home matches. We're just thinking of what we must do today. We have to try to be attacking, but be solid and defending well.

"We have to put out the best team we think can win this game. We play on Sunday against Manchester United so Yaya Toure and David Silva have time to recover - there's no reason why they can't play.

"Newcastle are always a difficult team, they always play with 100% intensity. We must concentrate defensively and offensively try to break down eight or nine men behind the ball."

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Donald from Belfast: Strong side from City but only four first-team starters. Let's not get carried away about Saturday. Will still have enough to beat Utd.

Team news

Holders Manchester City make seven changes as they look to move a step closer to retaining the trophy. Most of them come at the back as Willy Caballero replaces Joe Hart in goal, with Bacary Sagna, Martin Demichelis and Aleksandar Kolarov coming into his defence. England midfielder James Milner, Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and Montenegro forward Stevan Jovetic also start as Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri have to be content with places on the bench.

Newcastle also make half a dozen changes to the side which beat Tottenham at the weekend. But, unlike City, they are unable to bring in a host of established international stars. Talented teenagers Adam Armstrong and Rolando Aarons again earn League Cup starts, while goalkeeper Rob Elliot, defender Massadio Haidara and midfielders Ryan Taylor, Mehdi Abeid are also brought in.

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Team news

Harry Kane and Robert Soldado lead the line for Tottenham as manager Mauricio Pochettino makes 10 changes after the defeat to Newcastle at the weekend.

Kyle Naughton, fit again after a ankle injury, starts while fellow defender Federico Fazio is in the line-up after suspension.

Brighton, 21st in the Championship, makes six changes from the side that drew with Rotherham last time out. Striker Kazenga LuaLua is back in the side after serving a suspension but Sam Baldock is cup-tied.

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

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It's not entirely a surprise, but Fulham have finally given the manager's job to Kit Symons after a fairly length spell in charge as caretaker.

"Kit has thoroughly earned the opportunity to take Fulham from here as our first-team manager," said Cottagers chairman Shahid Khan. "We've been a different football club, on and off the pitch, since Kit stepped in as our caretaker manager in September.

"His passion for Fulham is evident and contagious, and I believe the promise ahead of him is extremely bright."

Happy, Fulham fans?

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Andrew Neill: NUFC seem to be playing 4 full backs but only one centre-back. I'm all for a bit of squad rotation but really...?

Andy Donley: As an MUFC fan I'm delighted to see the strength of the MCFC team tonight - hopefully NUFC run them ragged. #extratimeplease

Empics

Tonight's two managers have history. In 1991, Mark Hughes and Ronald Koeman were on opposing sides when Manchester United beat Barcelona 2-1 in the European Cup Winners' Cup final in Rotterdam. I bet that was some tussle. They don't make strikers, or defenders, like those two anymore do they?

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Tom Thrall: Re Dave 18:33... This isn't the Cup for us to focus on, I'd sacrifice all domestic to win the Europa for a Champo League place next year!

LINE-UPS

Stoke City starting XI: Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross (c), Wilson, Pieters; Cameron, Nzonzi; Walters, Bojan, Arnautovic; Diouf

Southampton starting XI: Forster, Clyne, Fonte (c), Gardos, Targett, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, S. Davis, Tadic, Long, Pelle.

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Tottenham have made 10 changes to the team which lost at Newcastle last weekend. Only Jan Vertonghen retains his place. Harry Kane leads the line up front.

Tottenham starting XI: Vorm, Naughton, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Dembele, Stambouli; Lennon (c), Kane, Townsend; Soldado.

Brighton starting XI: Walton; Calderon, Dunk, Hughes, Chicksen; Ince, Holla, Forster-Caskey, LuaLua, McCourt, Colunga.

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The last time these two teams met at the Britannia, Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic opened the scoring in the first minute of the game. Has the stopper brought his shooting boots again tonight, I wonder?

Southampton, though, are taking this season's competition seriously and have already knocked out Arsenal this term.

"As you've seen from the last two games, he's (manager Ronald Koeman) put out the strongest team that he can really put out and he's had a right go," said Jack Cork.

"It's good for us knowing that he's taking it so seriously, because sometimes you go into cup games thinking 'Oh, it doesn't really matter what happens, it doesn't really affect us' but it's good to know that he's confident that we've got a good chance of doing well in it and he wants us to do well in it."

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Manchester City have named a strong team for tonight's League Cup tie. David Silva, Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic all play. Samir Nasri makes his return from injury on the bench.

Newcastle's injury-hit midfielder Ryan Taylor makes his first appearance since August 2012 as Alan Pardew names an inexperienced side.

City starting XI: Caballero, Sagna, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Milner, Toure, Fernandinho, Silva, Jovetic, Dzeko.

Newcastle starting XI: Elliot, Janmaat, Coloccini, Dummett, Haidara, R.Taylor, Abeid, Colback, Obertan, Armstrong, Aarons.

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Joel McCroy Ejike: I saw Newcastle players backing and supporting their manager. I hope they back that up with good performance tonight.

Michael Blighe: So glad we've finally heard from the players! Glad they're backing Pards, maybe some good form will perk the fans up too?

Sergio in da house

@MCFC/Twitter

Here's a sight that the Newcastle defence don't want to see tonight - the face of Manchester City hotshot Sergio Aguero. The Argentine gives a cheeky stare to City's club photographer as he strolls into the Etihad with his kitbag over his arm. But will he make his first League Cup start of the season against the Magpies? They hope not - Aguero has scored eight times in his last six outings.

Rio punished by FA

PA

Some breaking news to bring you... QPR defender Rio Ferdinand has been suspended for three matches and fined £25,000 by the Football Association for comments he made on Twitter.

The 35-year-old ex-England captain has also been "severely warned as to his future conduct" and told to attend an education programme arranged by the FA.

It is believed his use of "sket" was deemed "abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper".

The definition of the term is "a promiscuous girl or woman".

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Dave Bowerman in Folkestone: Spurs should throw all their eggs into the cups basket starting with tonight. I'd take a mid-table finish if a trophy is won all day long. We are a cup club!

The Seagulls will be hoping to get a whiff of a cupset this evening, when they visit under-pressure Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Brighton are taking 4,000 fans to north London hoping to turn around a poor run of form, and their manager Sami Hyppia believes his situation is the same as the one currently facing his opposite number Mauricio Pochettino.

"I think my situation is the same," he said. "I'm new here, I've brought something different to the players and we work hard so the players will understand everything in a short period of time but that is not always possible.

"I'm happy that at this club people understand what is going on. I'm happy that the supporters have been quite patient with us."

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Newcastle haven't scored against Manchester City in their last five meetings in all competitions.

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We're asking for the strangest thing you've been in trouble for, which is sport-related...

Dave Hailey: Got drunk and bought Spurs memorabilia for £700 at work party 4 days before Xmas - sold it later for £250! Wife was mad...!

If Newcastle are to get anything tonight, however, they need to turn around one of the worst recent head-to-head records in English football. Manchester City have never lost to Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, while they boast a 17-match unbeaten run against the Magpies in all competitions which stretches back to 2005.

Now that's a bogey side.

'We want Pards to stay'

PA

When Alan Pardew next bumps into Daryl Janmaat at the bar, he owes the Newcastle defender a drink and a packet of peanuts. That's because the Dutch full-back has given the Magpies boss the biggest seal of approval possible - by saying the players are fully behind their boss.

After seeing his side pick up a couple of good wins in recent weeks, Janmaat said: "The pressure has eased. We want him as the manager. We do not want another manager."

That would also mean John Carver staying at the club. Is JC the most passionate assistant in the Premier League? I reckon he'd be in the mix.

Monk's wife is not happy

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Had any post this morning? A few bills? Maybe the odd takeaway menu?

Spare a thought for Swansea manager Garry Monk, whose neighbour posted him a letter to criticise his performance. In response, the manager's wife, Lexy, took to Twitter.

She posted: "Absolutely incensed a neighbour has the audacity to hand deliver a letter moaning at Garry's handling of things/everything he's doing wrong. If u want to talk to him go to the Swans. Don't come to my children's home. Or better still, as you think you know better than him, why don't you become a manager?"

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So, sticking with a sporting theme, what is the strangest thing you've been in trouble for? Whether you want to talk about that, or tonight's League Cup action... the floor is yours.

Tweet us via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 or have your say on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

A costly concert

AFP

If you've been stuck in meetings all day, you might be wondering why I'm banging on about Ed Sheeran. Well, it's because Top-flight referee Mark Clattenburg has been dropped from officiating this weekend for two breaches of protocol - one being for leaving The Hawthorns alone last weekend, to drive to Newcastle to watch pop star Sheeran in concert.

He also broke Premier League code to speak on the phone to Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock after the West Brom draw.

In the words of the Chuckle Brothers... Oh dear, oh dear.

Coming up

So, what's on the menu for tonight? A three course banquet, that's what:

Man City v Newcastle (19:45 GMT)

Stoke v Southampton (19:45 GMT)

Tottenham v Brighton (19:45 GMT)

Goals and late drama?

But don't worry folks. What we lack in Lord Sugars and pop stars, we'll try and make up for in goals, late drama and even the odd penalty shootout.

By the end of the night we'll find out which three teams have been fired from the League Cup, and which three will live to see another task.

Let's get stuck in.

Ed Sheeran or football?

It's Wednesday. You've just finished work... what to do now?

Go out with friends? Get yourself home and ready for tonight's episode of the Apprentice?

BBC

Perhaps you'll get in your car and head to Glasgow in preparation for tomorrow night's Ed Sheeran gig?

PA

Maybe not the last one. Let's just get stuck into the League Cup instead, shall we?