Save! Jacob Murphy puts in a cross which takes a massive deflection and Nick Townsend in the Newport goal has to make a scrambling stop at his near post.

Andy Carroll wins a demanding header at the back post but again, there's no fox in the box to sniff around and pick up the pieces. Dwight Gayle would have been on that.

Good news on the weather front, the drizzle has been replaced by sunshine.

Kris Slack [in response to Joe @17:29]: This tournament has been around since 1960 mate, and smaller clubs like Newport will be glad for the exposure in difficult financial times

How will Steve Bruce's side respond? Sharply, as Jacob Murphy drives a great ball right across the goalmouth but there's nobody there to touch it in.

Andy Carroll gets a cross at the far post but can't get a shot off and he's closed down. Imagine Andy Carroll in League Two. He might be the one Premier League player I would sign at that level if I could. Instant promotion.

First shot of the night as Sean Longstaff has a dig from range and puts it on the road to Cardiff.

Good news for Wolves!

They've announced this evening that captain Conor Coady has signed a new five-year deal.

Newport straight into the Newcastle midfield as promised. Snapping in and winning it from Jonjo Shelvey.

We're off!

Simon Atkins: Knowing Newcastle, they'll go from beating Morecambe 7-0 to losing 2-0 to Newport.

Image source, Getty Images

Sky's team news graphics suggest that Newport are playing their number eight in a back three. What a shame.

Joe Wedgwood: Utterly baffled as to the purpose of this tournament being played. The authorities just don't care about the players.

Newport County boss Mike Flynn: "It's going to be very difficult, the team they have put out tonight is a compliment to us, credit to Steve Bruce and to Newcastle for respecting us and the cup so much.

"We want to get after them, the pitch is going to be wet and hopefully there will be some mistakes from them."

Holly Jones: I'm buzzing, would be amazing for welsh football if the exiles progress

A 'proper' ground and what will hopefully be a proper game. Almost time to get this show on the road.

Image source, Getty Images

Outstanding. Plenty of life left in them yet...

Steve Bruce and Mike Flynn share some words on the sidelines as the rain starts to hammer down.

"It's an awful day," Bruce admits. "But what an opportunity we have got. We are looking for a performance and if we do that we will be ok. If we don't, we all know upsets can happen."

Manchester City

Image source, Getty Images

In action a bit later on, Manchester City are the EFL Cup holders of course. In fact, they've won it in each of the last three seasons and four of the last five.

City have progressed from 28 of their last 30 League Cup ties, although their two eliminations in that time have been at the fourth round stage – in 2014-15 vs Newcastle and 2016-17 vs Man Utd.