We're back with another full fixture schedule as the Carabao Cup resumes this evening!
We take a look at five standout fixtures as Round Two gets underway...
The rest is history
Bolton Wanderers fans will still look fondly upon the Trotters’ 5-2 victory over Aston Villa in the 2004 League Cup Semi-Final, beating the West Midlands team en-route to the Final.
🚀#EFL | #CarabaoCup https://t.co/AG274mpwVZ pic.twitter.com/fQQwxlugBT
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) August 9, 2022
Meanwhile, Villa have won the competition five times, last lifting the trophy in 1996 where they beat Leeds United 3-0.
The greatest goal ever in a final?#EFL | #CarabaoCup | @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/eSA7UDj5qt
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) October 5, 2020
A fixture in rich in history, the clash between Bolton and Villa is set to be aired live on Sky Sports.
Eyeing a Cup-set
With the entry of Premier League teams comes some mouth-watering ties, one of which will take place at Prenton Park as Tranmere Rovers host Newcastle United with a place in Round Three up for grabs.
The Magpies are defending their unbeaten start to 2022/23, earning a point against Manchester City last time out, but Tranmere, who shocked the football world by reaching the Final in 2000, have set their sights on causing a Cup upset later this week.
Tranmere saw off Accrington Stanley in Round One, drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes and, 26 spot-kicks later, Micky Mellon’s side booked their place in Round Two.
It would've been quicker just going to extra time...😅 https://t.co/W6DX4G2zIX
— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) August 9, 2022
Collecting scalps
Fleetwood Town’s only previous encounter came with Everton in this competition just two years ago. The Toffees ran out 5-2 winners against the Cod Army, marking the first time the Merseyside team netted five or more goals in consecutive games since 1964.
And Everton pay a visit to Highbury once again this year to face a Fleetwood side who edged past Wigan Athletic, ranking a division higher than the Lancashire side, in Round One with a slender 1-0 triumph.
Making a mark
It’s been 18 years since Forest Green Rovers and Brighton and Hove Albion last locked horns. That day the Seagulls came out on top in an EFL Trophy tie at the Withdean Stadium.
The Gloucestershire side, who beat Leyton Orient 2-0 in Round One, are looking to build on last season’s historic promotion from Sky Bet League Two whilst Graham Potter’s Brighton have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign.
On the march
Records were broken last season in the Carabao Cup and Southampton will be looking to reach new heights when they take on Cambridge United. The Saints registered their biggest ever away win, beating Newport County 8-0 in Round Two last year, whilst the U’s have a history of collecting top-flight scalps in Cup competitions.
The U’s set up their tie with Saints after beating Millwall 1-0 in the competition opener and will be looking to make further progress tonight when Southampton pay a visit to the Abbey Stadium.
