Man City vs Watford - Carabao Cup: Live score, team news and updates

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head coach, speaking on Monday:

We will find out in just a few moments...

I'm not surprised that these two are smiling.

The Barrow players have arrived at Stamford Bridge and it seems they are all very impressed.

No matter what the result is tonight, I'm sure all the players involved will have the time of their lives on that pitch.

It looks like they are already.

It could be a huge night for youngster Kaden Braithwaite.

We expect Pep Guardiola to make a whole host of changes this evening, he usually does in the cup.

And reports are suggesting that 16-year-old Braithwaite is set to become the third-youngest player to have play for City.

Guardiola isn't just going to bring him off the bench, though, he is set to reward the academy star with a start at centre-back.

Full team news will be on the way soon...

Manchester City adore the Carabao Cup, and that's an understatement.

They have won it a total of eight times during their history, only Liverpool have won it on more occasions with 10.

Half of their triumphs have come under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, with the Spaniard even guiding them to the trophy in consecutive years.

They haven't won it since 2021, though, and will be keen for that to change once more this season.

Their campaign starts at home to Watford, who they usually hand a heavy beating.

Will they start their cup run off in style tonight?

They couldn't, could they?

League Two Barrow are the third-lowest ranked side left in this competition and tonight they face a trip to Premier League Chelsea.

For many of these players, this is a moment they have been dreaming of for their whole careers - playing at a top flight stadium.

They don't just want to make up the numbers, though, they want to push the Blues all the way.

However, it won't be an easy task, will it?

Enzo Maresca's side have been on smoke recently, winning their last two matches without conceding.

While they are set to rotate hugely tonight, their line-up will still likely be stacked with stars.

Chelsea made the final last year, but these are new beginnings.

Well, wouldn't you like to know?

I mean, of course you would, if you don't already. Last week was an action-packed week of League Cup football, so let's have a quick recap of what happened.

The main story was that Man United sent Barnsley to the cleaners, smashing them 7-0 at Old Trafford with braces for Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford.

Not all top Premier League sides had it that comfortable, though, with Tottenham needing two late goals to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Coventry.

Other Premier League teams to progress were Crystal Palace, Southampton, Brighton, and Brentford.

It's not all about the top flight teams this cup, though, is it?

Preston showcased that when they knocked out Fulham after what felt like the longest penalty shootout known to man. It was crazy.

Stoke City and Sheffield Wednesday were the other two Championship sides to progress to round four.

Got it now?

Hopefully, you do because I am not going over it again...

Chelsea and Manchester City may be our focus tonight, but it's not all about them.

There are four third round ties for you all to tuck into this evening and we will provide the big news from all of them.

So, what are they? Well, here you go:

You certainly should be!

The League Cup doesn't always get the love it deserves in my opinion, it's a staple of English football, after all.

Tonight it returns once more after just a week away, with the final batch of third round matches set to take place over the next two days.

Manchester City and Chelsea host two of those fixtures as the Premier League pair look to book their place in the next round.

Ordinarily, you'd expect them to beat their opponents of Watford and Barrow, but in the cup you just never know.

Right then, that's enough of an introduction. Let's get cracking.