What a pass by Phil Foden! His brilliantly weighted ball catches out the Bournemouth defence and Riyad Mahrez is in but he shoots straight at Mark Travers in the Bournemouth goal.

A nice Liverpool move taking place on both wings. Curtis Jones flashes a shot just wide.

Liverpool have had 76% of the ball so far, they look in control.

No saves from either keeper yet.

A great ball over the top puts Ferran Torres in on goal but Mark Travers is off his line quickly to close down the gap and then blocks Torres' shot. Best chance of the game so far.

The flag stays down as Adam Smith races through on goal. He looked miles offside and eventually the flag is raised. A slightly nervous moment for the hosts.

No real chances of note yet at Lincoln. Imps striker Anthony Scully was caught offside but he wasn't getting to the ball anyway.

Phil Foden volleys harmlessly wide but it has been a decent start for Manchester City, who have won a couple of early corners.

Another day, another player starting that makes me feel old.

In the Manchester City team tonight is Liam Delap, son of former Stoke midfielder and long throw expert Rory.

Yet to see if it is like father like son in the long throw department in this game.

So far so good for last year's finalists as Aston Villa lead by two goals at half time.

Under way in Manchester and Lincoln in the other two EFL Cup games tonight.

Aston Villa are pressing for a third that would surely kill off this game with a couple of minutes to go until half time.

Keinan Davis has been excellent so far, holding the ball up well before bringing others into play and he almost gets his name on the scoresheet but his swirling effort is pushed behind by Max O'Leary.

Lincoln boss Michael Appleton to Sky Sports: "There is plenty of confidence in the group. We're lacking numbers and a bit of experience tonight. I'm sure the players who come in will do a manful job.

"I've told them to go and enjoy it but not be frightened, be aggressive in your approach."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports: "I gave Virgil van Dijk the opportunity to play tonight. We don't have enough centre-backs."

On putting Diogo Jota on the bench: "It makes sense for him to look a little bit and watch our game.

"I could have started him but I want him to watch it and listen to the things we said."

Image source, Getty Images

There have been some encouraging performances from the Aston Villa players on show tonight. Anwar El Ghazi, Bertrand Traore and Keinan Davis have been a constant menace in attack, while Jacob Ramsey has been a calm and assured presence in midfield.

Ten minutes to go until half time and Aston Villa are in control. The visitors feel they should have a penalty as Jacob Ramsey appears to be pushed inside the area but nothing is given.

Big chance for Bristol City to get back into this as Niclas Eliasson picks out Famara Diedhiou unmarked with a superb cross but the Bristol City striker heads down into the ground and wide.

Anwar El Ghazi is almost sent through by a ball through the defence by Marvelous Nakamba but Bristol City goalkeeper Max O'Leary is quickest to it.