Image source, Getty Images

Port Vale came close to reaching the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup way back in 2006, when they took Premier League Tottenham to extra time before losing 3-1.

In recent years, they have mostly exited at the first or second round stage, so Vale fans will be dreaming of a piece of history being made tonight if they can get the win.

Mansfield XI: Pym, Bowery, Flint, Brunt, MacDonald, Lewis, Reed, Clarke, Maris, Keillor-Dunn, Swan.

Subs: Johnson, McLaughlin, Cargill, Gale, Flinders, Oates, Cooper, Williams, Boateng.

Port Vale XI: Ripley, Lowe, Debrah, Smith, Sang, Ojo, Arblaster, Garrity, Devine, Plant, Ikpeazu.

Subs: Cass, Loft, Leutwiler, Massey, Conlon, Shorrock, Walters, Dipepa, Thomas.

Tom Gayle
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator at One Call Stadium

There are strong vibes for an upset here. Mansfield are on a run of 19 games unbeaten in all competitions. They take on a Port Vale side that has lost five of their last seven.

There is a strong belief among home fans that their side can secure a place in the quarter finals for only the second time in their history.

Nathan Jones
Former Southampton manager speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live

Nigel Clough is an experienced manager. He knows the game and he plays a fluent style. They were outstanding recently against Notts County [when they won 4-1], they pressed high and looked really structured. He is doing a wonderful job.

Image source, Getty Images

The form team in action tonight happens also to be the lowest placed team.

Mansfield Town are unbeaten in all 19 games they have played so far this season, winning their last four in all competitions.

If they win tonight it will be a club record 21 games unbeaten, stretching back to the previous campaign.

"To do 19 games in all competitions unbeaten – you don’t expect that sort of run," Mansfield boss Nigel Clough said.

“We’re extremely proud of it and we want to keep it going."

BBC Radio 5 Live

There's full commentary on this game on BBC Radio 5 live, so tune in.

Exeter XI: Sinisalo, Aimson, Fitzwater, Hartridge, Mitchell, Kite, Trevitt, Taylor, Jules, Scott, Muskwe.

Subs: Wildschut, MacDonald, Harper, Diabate, Dean, Richards, Cunningham.

Middlesbrough XI: Glover, Dijksteel, Fry, McNair, Bangura, Hackney, Barlaser, Isaiah Jones, Rogers, Silvera, Latte Lath.

Subs:van den Berg, Clarke, Gilbert, Howson, Coburn, Coulson, Crooks, Engel, Jamie Jones.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport at St James Park

Image source, BBC Sport

It's a big game for Exeter City's fans tonight and they are turning out in their thousands here at St James Park, despite the oncoming Storm Ciarán.

Exeter boss Gary Caldwell talked about making history yesterday when he previewed the game.

He set out a well-disciplined side that beat a much-changed Luton Town in the last round.

But since then Exeter's results have nose-dived, and most City fans would just settle for a good performance - although the pouring rain might be a bit of a leveller.

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough made a pretty torrid start to the season but have been on an incredible run recently, winning seven games in a row in all competitions before they were beaten by Stoke at the weekend.

Almost 1500 fans are expected to make the 680-odd mile round trip for the game, and Boro boss Michael Carrick has no intention of them seeing a cup shock.

"You have to be very careful of over emphasising the opportunity," he said.

"It's the next game, it's important we respect the game and the type of game it's going to be and respect the opposition and what they've done to get here.

"Regardless of the stage of the competition and who is left in, it's us against Exeter that matters. We need to put a performance in to earn the right to win the game."

We all get used to the big clubs getting into the latter stages of cup competitions but isn't it nice when teams from lower down the league ladder go on fairytale runs?

Well tonight we have four English Football League teams looking to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Middlesbrough of the Championship are the highest placed and they are at League One side Exeter City, while fellow League One team Port Vale are at Mansfield, who play in the division below.