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.

Image source, 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.

Image source, 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

Image source, Reuters

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.

Image source, 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."

Image source, 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?

Postpublished at 20:53

20:53

Middlesbrough 0-2 Everton

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...

Image source, 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.

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

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

Back under way at the Etihad Stadium.

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."