League Cup quarter-finals - as they happened

1. Result: M'boro 0-2 Everton (Deulofeu, Lukaku)
2. Result: Stoke 2-0 Sheff Weds (Afellay, Bardsley)
3. Southampton play Liverpool on Wednesday
4. Semi-final draw takes place after that match

Goodbye

Join us again tomorrow to see whether Southampton or Liverpool can grab the last semi-final spot in this season's League Cup.

Until then.

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1972 winner Stoke through

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1970, 1976, 2014 winners Man City through

AP

Can Everton win the competition for the first time?

Congratulations all round

Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal: "I must congratulate my team for what we have done in his competition. I congratulate Stoke City, they deserved to win and have a very good quality

"I'm not unhappy with the team, I thank the fans who pushed the team all the way

"The fans are amazing. They are unbelievable. We give everything for them on the pitch." 

Managers love a double negative

'A good answer from the squad'

AFP

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "We only had 72 hours to recover [from the 3-1 league win over Southampton] so it was a very good answer from all the squad. 

"The most important thing is to be involved in all the competitions at this stage. We were very solid and we didn't allow chances for Hull to score."

'Two goals were expectional'

Reuters

Everton manager Roberto Martinez on Sky Sports: "It was a fantastic occasion, to be involved in the cup. We had to be mature and control the game and we did that really well, especially after the Bournemouth result. It showed we learnt a lot. 

"It is a terrific feeling to get through to the semi-final and good memory for our football club.

"Middlesbrough had a team who are good on the ball but we defended really well. All in all, the two goals were exceptional pieces of quality. More than anything, after keeping a clean sheet from going 2-0 up was very pleasing."

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JM = Jose Mourinho

KDB = Kevin de Bruyne

'Keep going for more'

Reuters

Everton midfielder Gerard Deulofeu on Sky Sports: "Playing with Romelu Lukaku is easy for me. I am so happy to reach the next round and want to keep going. 

"Against Bournemouth on Saturday it was disappointing because it was a game we should have won but this is a good moment and we nee to keep going for more."

Football League results

League One:

Burton 2-1 Millwall

Shrewsbury 1-3 Walsall

League Two:

Bristol Rovers 3-0 Wycombe

Morecambe 1-0 Dag & Red

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Good call.

'We need to stay grounded'

AP

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku on Sky Sports: "We just have to work hard and keep doing what we have been doing. Today was a good result and we were 2-0 up and should have scored more. 

"It is positive for us. The first goal was important but Gerard Deulofeu is doing well for us and I hope he keeps the level for us.

"We are hungry, young players and want to improve game after game. We need to stay grounded and we want to be better."

FULL-TIME

PA

Not the best performance from Sheffield Wednesday tonight, they struggled. Stoke through to their first semi-final since winning the competition back in 1972.

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

Middlesbrough fought and battled but didn't have it in the final third. Tonight the better team won.

Four minutes of added time at the Britannia Stadium. Going through the motions now. Come on ref, get it over with.

FULL-TIME

Middlesbrough's run is over. It's Everton who go through to the semi-final.

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Agreed!

FULL-TIME

All over at the Etihad Stadium. Man City comfortably into the last four of the League Cup.

GOAL - Man City 4-1 Hull

Reuters

Consolation.

Game over but something for Hull full-back Andrew Robertson to remember.

It's sublime. He collects the ball in his own half before scampering up the pitch ala Mo Farah, exchanging passes with a team-mate, finding himself in the Man City area and dinking a finish past Willy Caballero. 

All too late though and City were caught napping.

Nope. Low drive from Grant Leadbitter saved by Joel Robles.

Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter standing over a free-kick around 30 yards out...

Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both on the scoresheet for Man City and Everton respectively.

Wonder what Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is thinking. Not good enough for the Blues, ripping it up for their sides now.

Into the last few minutes.

GOAL - Man City 4-0 Hull

Reuters

Getting ugly for Steve Bruce's Hull!

A sublime free-kick from Kevin de Bruyne, into the top corner of the net despite a Hull defender standing on the line.

The Belgian really is a joy to watch.

CLOSE!

It's the away side who look like getting the next goal in this match, but Tomas Meijas does well to push away Kevin Mirallas' strike from the edge of the box.

Football League latest

Scramble.Joe Martin prods in for Millwall, who now trail Burton 2-1 in League One.

Game on.

Meanwhile, Walsall lead 2-1 at Shrewsbury thanks to Paul Downing's header.

No extra times to look forward to. Woohoo, a cup of hot chocolate and an early night!

Football League latest

A 12-minute hat-trick!

Matty Taylor adds his third of the night for Bristol Rovers after being found by Daniel Leadbitter. What a night for the 25-year-old, whose side are now 3-0 up against Wycombe.

GOAL - Man City 3-0 Hull

Reuters

This one is done.

Opportunistic work from Belgian Kevin De Bruyne, who sneaks in to finish after some hazardous Hull defending.

Steve Bruce will be hoping his side don't capitulate completely now.

GOAL - Man City 2-0 Hull

Reuters

City joining Stoke in the last four.

Finally, the long wait for a second goal is over. It's smartly home from the home side as two substitutes combine.

Raheem Sterling whips a cross in from the left and Kelechi Iheanachotaps in from close range.

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Britannia Stadium

Reuters

"The right back Bardsley hit a low drive from around 30 yards in off the post. It went zipping along the turf and Joe Wildsmith couldn't keep it up. Just over 15 minutes to play and they are  on their way."

GOAL - Stoke 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Reuters

Stoke into the semi-finals, it seems.

Full-back Phil Bardlsey drills in a low, long-range finish which Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith can't get to.

Can Wednesday get back into this? On-loan winger Daniel Pudil lets fly with a half-volley with goes narrowly over the crossbar.

Reuters

It's Man City who look like getting the second goal at the Etihad Stadium. Midfielder Fabian Delph forces Eldin Jakupovic into a save, but still have not added to their 12th minute opener.

Reuters

Another long-range effort from the home side. Midfielder Adam Forshaw with a low drive straight down the throat of Joel Robles, who gathers nicely.

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

Another man who has been out for a long time returns to action. Everton left-back Leighton Baines makes his first appearance of the season in place of Brendan Galloway.

Baines hasn't had a haircut or shave in the time he has been out.

SUBSTITUTION

Hull winger Robert Snodgrass is brought on and makes his first appearance for 15 months. The Scot gets a great reception from the away fans.

73 minutes gone in that game.

CLOSE!

Cristhian Stuani, you have to do better than that lad.

Emilio Nsue whips a beautiful ball in from the right wing and the Uruguayan - free in the box around eight yards out - heads the ball over the crossbar. There was no pressure on him and he could have picked either corner but failed to hit the target.

Nearly a much-needed second for Man City. The returning David Silva with an instinctive effort which goes narrowly wide.

Reuters

Boro need more urgency. They're allowing Everton to control the tempo of the game and the Toffees are knocking the ball around the park nicely. Boro haven't touched the ball for a couple of minutes now.

Football League latest

It's the Matty Taylor show for Bristol Rovers.

He fires in after a well-worked free-kick, then two minutes later scores a second - again from a free-kick -  to put Rovers 2-0 up against Wycombe in a battle of two sides just outside the play-off places in League Two.

Latest scores:

League One

Burton 2-0 Millwall

Shrewsbury 1-1 Walsall

League Two

Bristol Rovers 2-0 Wycombe

Morecambe 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge

SUBSTITUTION

Chuba Akpom off and Hull topscorer Abel Hernandez has been sent on. Around 23 minutes for the Uruguayan to make an impact. Can he make the difference?

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AP

Sheffield Wednesday have taken over 4,600 fans to Stoke tonight. Impressive following.

The dream still lives on, but time is ticking away.

PENALTY APPEAL

The ball bounces off the shoulder of defender Ramiro Funes Mori inside the Everton box, but referee Roger East waves the Middlesbrough appeals away, much to the anguish of the home supporters.

Would have been harsh.

Hull striker Chuba Akpom is through on goal, but Man City goalkeeper Willy Caballero reacts quickly to rush off his line and sweep up. The City defenders need to stay awake.

Reuters

Sheffield Wednesday looking to get back into the game but haven't been able to test Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland yet.

At the other end, Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith does have to earn his crust, saving a Joselu effort with his leg.

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

Manuel Pellegrini looking to put this game to bed? Winger Raheem Sterling summoned in place of Jesus Navas.

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

They need something to lift everyone. They have lifted their fans with that.

CLOSE!

Ah, this time Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles does have work to do. The industrious Cristhian (horrible spelling for a live texter!) Stuani works hard with the ball and it eventually reaches Stewart Downing.

The Middlesbrough winger is around 30 yards out and drills a left-footed shot on target, but it's at a nice height for Robles, who pushes the ball away.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"I think the Hull players are starting to tire a little bit. Steve Bruce is trying to change the synergy of this game with that substitution. Bringing Mo Diame on for Ryan Taylor is a positive step - he is comfortable with the ball, a powerful runner, and can score goals. This could open the game up."

Middlesbrough resorting to long-range efforts but they need to do better than that. This time midfielder Adam Clayton strangles a shot wide of goal and that ain't troubling Joel Robles. Everton solid and comfortable.

Rex Features

Stoke nearly get a second but Republic or Ireland striker Jon Walters's header is straight at youngster Joe Wildsmith.

Nearly a repeat of the goal. A wicked strike from the impressive Kevin de Bruyne for Man City is saved by Hull's Eldin Jakupovic but this time striker Wilfried Bony can't get on the end of it.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"Again, like the first half, it's a slow start. The teams are having a good look at each other, rather like a boxing match. I'm sure when a few challenges fly in the game will spark into life."

Reuters

Cagey start to the second half. Neither side will be too unhappy with that. City keep their lead, but Hull stay in touch. Can the Championship side grab an equaliser?

Brave defending from veteran midfielder Gareth Barry, who heads the corner away but takes one to the head from the incoming Daniel Ayala. Smash!

Barry is fine though and is back on his feet.

Middlesbrough skipper Grant Leadbitter looking to lead from the front. He strangles a shot wide - via a deflection off John Stones - for a corner...

KICK-OFF

PA

And back playing at the Britannia Stadium

It looks like Middlesbrough defender Fernando Amorebieta has been given some instructions after being bamboozled by Gerard Deulofeu for the second goal.

He gets an early second half booking for sliding in on the Spanish midfielder.

KICK-OFF

Midfielder Adam Forshaw sent on for Middlesbrough in place of Carlos de Pena. Under way at the Riverside Stadium.

Back in the groove...

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is a little confused at Everton's sudden change in performance level...

KICK-OFF

Back under way at the Etihad Stadium.

State of play

All three Premier League sides lead at half time and it's more than deserved.

Man City have had 66% possession so far, while Stoke have had 68%. Over at the Riverside Stadium, Everton are in control of the match and have had 59%.

Fancy the trio to progress to the last four. The Championships side will have to pick it up in the second period to stop that from happening.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"The way Hull have set up they are getting all 11 players deep behind the ball and it is hard for Manchester City to break down. 

"Man City have got the goal but if they want more then they have got to move ball with more tempo and be more creative in the final third.

"It would be nice to see Hull sacrifice one of their defensive midfielders and bring on a Snodgrass or Maloney who can get on the ball and create something going the other way."

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

Everton have been a class apart. Held the ball, passed it well. Gerard Deulofeu has been the best player on the pitch, but Romelu Lukaku is not far behind

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Football League latest

Burton are heading to the top of League One.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's men have scored twice in quick succession through Damien McCrory and Abdenasser El Khayati - the latter a fine finish to end a sweeping team move - to take a commanding 2-0 lead against seventh-placed Millwall.

There have also been goals in the other game in that division. Larnell Cole put Shrewsbury 1-0 up at home against fourth-placed Walsall, but the visitors equalised on the stroke of half-time through Milan Lalkovic. 1-1.

HALF-TIME

Ibrahim Afellay breaks his goalscoring duck for Stoke. Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal pleased to get back indoors to warm himself up.

HALF-TIME

Reuters

Everton forward Gerard Deulofeu the star man. Scored one, made Fernando Amorebieta look very silly by creating the second. Denilson would have been proud.

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HALF-TIME

Reuters

Can Hull get back into this game after Wilfried Bony's early goal?

....wasted by Stewart Downing. It was a long way out and would have needed a spectacular strike to beat Joel Robles from there but the free-kick curls over the crossbar. Downing apologises to his team-mates, and so he should.

Middlesbrough need a goal to get back into this game. Winger Stewart Downing standing over a free-kick around 35-yards out...

Man City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala has been booked for a foul on Moses Odubajo.

Hull striker Chuba Akpom with an effort from the free-kick, but it rolls to Willy Caballero. No problems for the bald headed goalkeeper.

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Britannia Stadium

"Stoke in complete control. Sheffield Wednesday haven't offered all that much and have also lost centre-back Tom Lees to injury."

Lots of empty seats at Etihad Stadium tonight.

The home side haven't been able to add to their solitary goal though. Hull will be happy for the scoreline to be at 1-0. It gives them a chance to get back into the match. At 2-0, I don't fancy them.

Reuters

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

It was the right thing to do. Kike was unlucky there.

Rex Features

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku fancies it tonight, making a thundering run at the Boro defence before feeding Ross Barkley, but the Englishman's shot is blocked.

Boro break at the other end and striker Kike tries to chip Joel Robles - think Eric Cantona against Sunderland in the 90s - but the Spaniard can't quite get the direction right and it sails wide. 

Would have been a beauty.

Football League latest

Our first goal of the night in the Football League - and it's Morecambe who lead against League Two strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge.

Paul Mullin sees his powerful penalty saved but the ball rebounds straight to him and, despite losing his footing, he scuffs the ball in. 1-0.

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Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

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"Manchester City have not had many clearcut chances but have enjoyed most of the possession. They have not had the creativity to unlock this disciplined Hull defence yet. But as the away players tire, they will create more chances.

Quick straw poll...is Wilfried Bony an adequate replacement for Sergio Aguero? Hmmm. The beefy Ivorian is presented with a decent chance, hitting the target with a snap-shot. But it is straight at Hull keeper Eldin Jakupovic who gathers easily.

Lots of Middlesbrough fans are shining the light on their mobile phones in support for BBC Tees commentator Ali Brownlee who was diagnosed with cancer last week.

"There's only one Ali Brownlee" sing the home fans. A very nice touch.

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Britannia Stadium

Reuters

"Ibrahim Afellay, a left foot volley sweetly struck. Just perfect technique, he waited for it to drop and arrowed it across the goalkeeper."

'An utter classic'

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

Of its type this goal was an utter classic. Deulofeu did brilliantly and waited until the defender half dived in. And Lukaku's header was not easy.

GOAL - Stoke 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Reuters

The Dutchman gets his first goal for the club. Joselu puts a ball into the box and Ibrahim Afellay volleys across goal and into the corner past the reach of Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith.

GOAL - Middlesbrough 0-2 Everton

Reuters

My head is in a spin!!

Stepover, stepover, stepover, stepover by Gerard Deulofeu and he puts defender Fernando Amorebieta in a muddle on the right.

He sends in a cross, slightly behind Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian is good enough to rise and arc a finish into the net.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"Manchester City are not giving the Hull players a second on the ball. It's the intensity they are squeezing Hull. It's been impressive how quickly they have won back the ball."

PA

Home side well on top at the Etihad Stadium and firmly in control. Hull haven't had a sniff yet. 

Nicely cleared up...

British cruiserweight and die-hard Evertonian Tony Bellew clarifies his loves in life for Twitter. It seems Gerard Deulofeu's goal sent him over that emotional edge.

Stoke winger Marko Arnautovic curls a free-kick from the edge of the area over the crossbar. This match could go all the way, so we're going to be in for a late on.

Clap, clap, clap

Nathan Redmond cracks out the applause emoji for Gerard Deulofeu. Top work Redz.

A slow burner at the Britannia Stadium. I'm just worried about the condition of Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal. He looks a bit cold sat on the bench, his side need to up the pressure and warm him - and the fans - up.

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Reuters

It's now three goals in six games for Bony.

Hull venture deep into Manchester City territory for the first time. A quick counter ends in Isaac Hayden shooting straight at home keeper Willy Caballero. Safe.

GOAL - Middlesbrough 0-1 Everton

Reuters

But this one does count!

Spaniard (lots of them tonight) Gerard Deulofeu picks the ball up inside the Middlesbrough half and there doesn't seem to be any trouble.

He runs and runs, putting defender Ben Gibson on his backside, nudging the ball past another before drilling a low finish from the edge of the box past Tomas Meijas.

A brilliant run and finish, but the Boro backline, who haven't conceded at home in the last six games, should do much better.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Reuters

Middlesbrough have the ball in the back of the net!!

But referee Roger East disallows it. It's the easiest decision he'll make all his career as the corner loops high over the head of Joel Robles and Cristhian Stuani makes no effort to get the ball, instead jumping into the goalkeeper. The ball hits him on the head and goes in, but that's not on.

...Stewart Downing stands over it and curls a beautiful effort at the near post which Joel Robles has to push wide. That was creeping in.

Ramino Funes Mori with an agricultural tackle on Cristhian Stuani, barging the Uruguayan striker on the edge of the box. Free-kick in a good position..

Should do better? Stoke striker Jon Walters beats the offside trap but his effort is straight at Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith. A nice confidence booster for the 19-year-old, keeping his hands warm on.

CLOSE!

Romelu Lukaku, standing six yards from goal, almost gets his head on to a Gerard Deulofeu cross from the right. The Belgium striker - who has five goals in his last four Toffees appearances - looks a handful tonight.

Reuters

Poor old Peter Crouch. Only his third start of the season and the big man has to go off with a hamstring injury. Straight down the tunnel. Spaniard Joselu is the man who comes on for the Englishman.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"There was no communication in the Hull midfield - Hayden and Livermore left the ball for each other. De Bruyne hit a wicked shot which bounced off the post and Bony was the first one to react. The keeper had no chance.

"Hull need to put pressure on Manchester City in the midfield. They didn't do that and they have been punished. Steve Bruce must be scratching his head."

GOAL - Man City 1-0 Hull

Reuters

Opening goal of the evening.

First of many? Manchester City break the deadlock early on. Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was unlucky with the initial effort, striking the post, but Ivorian strikerWilfried Bonywas on hand to knock in. Not the best of defending from the away side and they'll need to tighten up to avoid this getting any worse.

Sounds like injured Hull midfielder David Meyler is sat in the Etihad Stadium stands. Can the travelling Tigers fans roar their team forward?

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"Manchester City have to be on their toes and respect the opposition. If they do that they will beat this Hull team. 

"But we have seen it time and time again when a Premier League team can't get themselves up for the game and start the match badly - it gives the opposition the opportunity to start on the front foot. Once the game has started and momentum has been set, it can be difficult to turn it around. 

"But, if Manchester City start in the right manner it could be an easy win."

Reuters

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku - who has been on hot scoring form this season - has a half chance from inside the box, but his header is deflected wide after pressure from a couple of Middlesbrough defenders. The visitors can make nothing from the resulting corner but warning signs for Aitor Karanka's men.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

"This is a bit like a practice match at the moment. The tempo and the atmosphere is not great."

Chilly night at the Britannia Stadium tonight. Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal did say it was going to be cold, he wasn't wrong. He's looking nice and snuggly in that dufflecoat. No chances though.

Reuters

A quiet opening at the Etihad too, where Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic sets some hearts racing by rushing out to the edge of this area but no harm done. Spanish playmaker David Silva will be looking to get the tempo ticking for the home side after a period on the sidelines.

'Everton are in great form'

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

Everton are favourites. An attack-minded side. Boro are a strong side at home and are having a good period in the Championship. But you have to consider the standard of Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku. Everton are in great form.

Middlesbrough are a formidable side at the Riverside Stadium and they are looking to get on top early on, with Spanish striker Kike the furthest man forward. The number nine has bagged three goals this season. No chances yet though.

Trevor Sinclair

Former England winger at Etihad Stadium

Reuters

"Hull's seven changes show the strength in depth that Steve Bruce has acquired. They are flying high in the Championship and hadn't lost for almost three months before Friday's defeat by Derby.

"They will have to take check of that and hopefully bounce back. It's a massive platform for them to show what they can do. Anything can happen in a quarter-final."

KICK-OFF

 ⚽ Here we go. League Cup quarter-finals under way ⚽  

Football League preview

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Hasselbaink already has one hand on the cup

There's every chance Coventry City will be knocked off top spot in League One this evening.

A win for Burton in their home match against Millwall will send Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink's side top. If they don't take three points and Walsall win by four goals away at Shrewsbury, the Midlands outfit will jump from fourth to top.

In League Two Dagenham & Redbridge could put daylight between themselves and the bottom two with victory at Morecambe, while Wycombe can move into the play-off places if they claim three points at Bristol Rovers.

Karanka: Everton are one of the best teams

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka on Sky Sports:

"They are confident. Everybody is confident. But we can't forget we are playing Everton. They are one of the best teams in the league. They have an amazing manager and they have really good players.

"I have to thank Everton manager Roberto Martinez because he's helped me a lot."

Something's got to give

BBC

However, the Potters are winless in four matches in all competitions against Sheffield Wednesday, losing each of the last two at the Britannia Stadium.

This will be a close one.

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We'll 'ave 'em!!

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You don't hear this too often from a manager:

"We are at home and when the draw was made - if we are honest enough - we can say they were one of the teams we wanted to have."

But Stoke boss Mark Hughes bucked the trend of the usual, 'we wanted to avoid them'.

It's honesty you can't really argue with though. Sheffield Wednesday are the lowest-ranked of the eight teams left in the competition.

Brrrrrr...

Getty Images

Don't forget your longjohns tonight, Carlos

You can tell Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal ain't from around here.

"It will be cold and there will be rain probably. It's not a good day to go to the football," said the Portuguese boss. Probably? That's an understatement.

It may be a tad nippy off the pitch but Wednesday are hot on it. The Owls are eighth in the Championship this term and well in the hunt for a return to the Premier League.

The last time they played in the top flight was the 1999-2000 season. Way too long for a club of their size. Bring back Gerald Sibon, I say!

Toffees stick at it

BBC

They needed extra time in two of those matches against Norwich and Barnsley to progress.

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I can't get no sleep

Rex Features

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has probably had a couple of sleepless nights after their thriller against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Midfielder Ross Barkley thought he had won it for the Toffees in the 95th minute, but Junior Stanislas popped up with the equaliser two minutes later.

So what frame of mind will the players be in tonight?

"You need to be ready for the game with a clear understanding of how to perform," said Martinez. "Clearly the mentality in our camp is to be ready - we can't not be ready after the feeling at the weekend."

Double negative, all sorts of confusion. I don't think nobody should be allowed to use them.

Feet on the ground lads

Getty Images

Like Hull, Middlesbrough are also flying high in the Championship this season. Boro are second, two points behind leaders Brighton.

Spaniard Aitor Karanka has put together a side containing been-round-the-block Englishmen such as Grant Leadbitter and Stewart Downing.

The peppering of international flavour including the likes of midfielder Diego Fabbrini, forward Emilio Nsue and striker Kike have added some panache to the North East side.

"Just because we are close to the top of the table and we beat Manchester United in the last round and we're playing at home and will be feeling the atmosphere, to be over-confident would be a big mistake," said Karanka. 

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at the Britannia Stadium

Half-and-half scarves the order of the day at Stoke.

BBC

Team news

Getty Images

Changes aplenty for both sides at the Britannia Stadium with Stoke making five, including giving striker Peter Crouch just his third start of the season. 

He replaces Bojan, while the Potters fill the void left by suspended captain Ryan Shawcross with Marc Wilson. 

Stoke starting XI: Butland; Johnson, Wilson, Wollscheid, Pieters; Cameron, Van Ginkel; Walters, Afellay, Arnautovic; Crouch.  

Sheffield Wednesday make seven changes from the side which drew 2-2 at Blackburn on Saturday. Gary Hooper gets a start up front and 19-year-old keeper Joe Wildsmith starts his first game since the Owls' 3-0 win over Arsenal in the last round.

Sheffield Wednesday starting XI: Wildsmith, Hunt, Lees, Loovens, Wiggins, Wallace, Lee, Hutchinson, Sougou, Hooper, Joao.

Backstage at the Riverside Stadium...

Team news

A bit more from the game at the Etihad Stadium..

Not only is David Silva included in the Manchester City team tonight - he will also captain the side on his first start since 3 October. The Spain midfielder returns as one of five changes from Saturday's 3-1 win against Southampton.

Talismanic striker Sergio Aguero is missing after his injury scare, with Wilfried Bony starting. Centre-back Eliaquim Mangala, left-back Gael Clichy and winger Jesus Navas also return, with youngsters Cameron Humphreys and Manuel Garcia on the bench.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce - a Manchester United hero remember - makes seven changes to face City. A defensive looking line-up sees his son Alex Bruce, Ryan Taylor and Andrew Robertson start among the new faces.

Team news

Middlesbrough's Tomas Mejias replaces Dimitrios Konstantopoulos in goal.

Fernando Amorebieta comes into the defence. Forwards Cristhian Stuani and Kike and midfielders Grant Leadbitter and Carlos de Pena also come into the starting XI.

Middlesbrough starting XI: Mejias, Nsue, Ayala, Gibson, Amorebieta, Stuani, Leadbitter, Clayton, de Pena, Downing, Kike.  

Everton manager Roberto Martinez makes three changes from the side that drew against Bournemouth.

Joel Robles replaces Tim Howard in goal, Tom Cleverley is in for Arouna Kone while Leon Osman is named captain and comes in for James McCarthy.

England left-back Leighton Baines is back in the squad for the first time since May.  

Everton starting XI: Joel, Galloway, Funes Mori, Stones, Coleman, Barry, Osman, Cleverley, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku.

Taming the Tigers

Remember this scene from Boxing Day 2008 when then Hull boss Phil Brown gave his half-time team-talk on the pitch? Hull lost 5-1 on that occasion.

You can watch the video of that infamous incident here

BBC

A path to the semi-finals

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Hull striker Abel Hernandez is the club's top scorer with eight goals

Hull were relegated from the Premier League last season and decided to stick with boss Steve Bruce.

The Tigers have had a good start to life in the Championship, lying in fourth position, just one point off the automatic promotion spots.

A return to the top flight will be the priority, but does the League Cup matter?

"Once it gets to this stage everybody takes it seriously," said Brucey. "The big clubs traditionally have used it to see if their young players are good enough.

"Manchester City will be thinking 'Arsenal are out, Chelsea are out, Manchester United are out', so there's a path forward for them and we also have to think the same thing." #confidence

Get Involved

Will we see any shocks tonight or do the three Premier League teams have too much for their Championship opponents?

Get in touch on Twitter using #bbcfootball or text in on 81111 (UK only). Remember to put names on texts.

The Etihad Stadium looking resplendent on this cold, winter evening...

Team news

EPA

Spain midfielder David Silva makes his first Manchester City start in almost two months following injury. 

Man City starting XI: Caballero, Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Clichy, Delph, Fernandinho, Navas, Silva, De Bruyne, Bony.

Hull make seven changes from the team which started Friday's 2-0 home defeat by fellow Championship high-flyers Derby.

Hull starting XI: Jakupovic, Odubajo, Bruce, Taylor, Maguire, Livermore, Akpom, Hayden, Aluko, Robertson, Elmohamady.

Team news for the three matches is coming right up...

Tonight's matches

Here is what we have in store this evening:

All times GMT

Man City v Hull (19:45)

Middlesbrough v Everton (19:45)

Stoke v Sheffield Wednesday (19:45)

There are also two games each in League One and League Two.

Underdogs

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Will Manchester City be given their Goodbye Kiss from Steve Bruce's men tonight?

Leicester band Kasabian sang about the Underdog and have seen their city's football team challenge at the top of the Premier League this season.

But the Foxes had nothing to cheer about in the last 16, being sent packing by the Tigers.

Hull are one of three Championship sides including Sheffield Wednesday and Middesbrough still remaining in the competition. All are in action this evening.

Season of shocks

It was the round for the Championship sides.

Sheffield Wednesday trounced Arsenal while Middlesbrough and Hull dumped out Premier League opposition on penalties in the last round.

Will this season of shocks keep on giving?

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Getty Images

Getty Images