Steve Claridge
Ex-Leicester striker at Sixfields, BBC Radio 5 live

It's a good opportunity for Wayne Rooney but the ball probably came at him a bit sharpish.

He's had two chances, but have both been with his weaker foot.

Dear oh dear that is a poor miss from Wayne Rooney! Michael Carrick's shot is blocked, it's worked back inside to Rooney, on the sis-yard box and he shins it wide, left-footed.

An offside flag was raised but that was not great.

As you'd expect though, it's been all Manchester United so far. 

Image source, Reuters

Steve Claridge
Ex-Leicester striker at Sixfields, BBC Radio 5 live

It's a good start by Manchester United, they're quickly finding gaps behind the full-backs.

Morgan Schneiderlin has been given that bit more freedom to get forward and they are playing with good intensity.

Sunderland have had the first chance of the night as Joel Asoro stabs a shot wide after good interplay on the edge of the area. 

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Sixfields

Two ways of looking at this for Manchester United's struggling captain Wayne Rooney here at Sixfields tonight - a chance to play his way back into form or a tough struggle against a Northampton Town side determined to pile on the misery.

United manager Jose Mourinho will hope it's the former.

Cracking atmosphere here and we're under way.

Image source, Reuters

Wayne Rooney has had a shot already, Memphis Depay finds him inside the area, in far too much space, and his low shot is easily saved by Adam Smith. 

And we are under way!

Steve Claridge
Ex-Leicester striker at Sixfields, BBC Radio 5 live

The answer to all the ills is Michael Carrick? I think there's a little more than that. Undoubtedly he does a really good job in midfielder for Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho's made 22 changes in three games. How can you get any consistency and understanding if you're doing that. Get your best system and build your team around it.

I look at the United team and I'm not totally convinced. I think Northampton will think they have got a bit of squeak.

Image source, PA

Almost time for kick-off then across our eight games. Let's have plenty of goals...

When I was growing up there was a billboard I used to walk past on my way into Northampton town centre.

Advertising a leading sports brand - others were, and of course are available - it proclaimed that 1966 was a good year for English football because of the birth of Eric Cantona.

Image source, Getty Images

In a big marker pen somebody had crossed out the last line and added:

"COBBLERS WERE IN DIV 1"

That was about as close as us fans of Northampton came to rubbing shoulders with Sir Alex Ferguson's giants. 

But tonight Sixfields will host the team for the second time in recent memory.

The home fans will be hoping for a famous night under the floodlights. The away fans just want a routine win.

Northampton manager Robert Page:

"There's been a lot of talk since the draw has been made but the players have focused on the league. Now we're all looking forward to it. 

"We're totally different levels but what I can do is influence what we do on our side. You never know, cup upsets happen. I've just said to the lads we've every right to be at this level with who we've beaten already. 

"We'll give it a really good go."

John Stones, Vincent Kompany, Kelechi Iheanacho and Leroy Sane. Manchester City are not playing games in the League Cup tonight. Can the holders make it yet another win? 

Image source, Reuters

You may not be aware that Shaq is a Cobblers fan. But he definitely is. Honest.

He may even be tuning in tonight.

Here's a reminder of when the basketball legend gave a Queen-inspired tribute to Northampton winning League Two last May.

Why? He co-owns an internet radio station in the USA with Cobblers' chairman Kelvin Thomas and appears to have become a big fan of the club.

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "Every game is always important, it is a big match, you are in or you are out after 90 minutes or two hours."

What do you want from Wayne Rooney tonight? "Goals. Goals.

"I know that Northampton beat a Premier League team here who played a full team, they have just stopped a fantastic record of 31 matches unbeaten and they can create us difficulties. They play direct football, they defend with a lot of people and a special spirit."

Image source, Getty Images

The last time Northampton were involved in a third-round League Cup match they beat Liverpool 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Anfield in September 2010.

Roy Hodgson was in charge of the Reds at the time and famously said beforehand: "Northampton will be a formidable challenge - there's no question about that."

In contrast Jose Mourinho hasn't even spoken ahead of tonight's game...

Image source, AP

Accrington's win over Burnley in the last round was their first ever victory against top-flight opposition in all competitions. They have never played West Ham before.

Image source, Reuters

It's been a busy few weeks for the staff of Northampton Town - but they're not adverse to that.

They all went several months without pay last season as the club lurched from financial crisis to on-field joy.

Tonight the club's press box and overflow area are full, with around 50 of the world’s media in attendance and 30+ snappers working for all agencies.

The match is being shown live across Europe, Asia, Australia and the US on Sky and Beln Sports. The full Richard Keys. 

Northampton manager Rob Page: "By their standards they've had a difficult week but they have an abundance of quality in their squad. We are not here to make the numbers up, we will have a good go and start fast.

"We will put a show up for a big crowd tonight. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jose Mourinho, he's one of the world's greatest managers."

Final Score

It promises to an exciting evening of third-round action and we'll ensure you can keep up with the goals as they fly in

Final Score's vidiprinter will keep you abreast of all the scores come from tonight's ties online or via the Red Button on your television.

Tune in now. Watch at the top.