We are less than 15 minutes away from kick-off on Merseyside.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is in attendance and has taken his seat ahead of kick-off.

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport football reporter

Newcastle's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday was a timely win for Matthias Jaissle, who was starting to feel the heat himself after three defeats in the previous four Premier League games.

The German made five changes to the side that lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa last weekend and, after an uneventful first half, his team sprang into action after the interval.

Dan Burn, who has been injured, marked his first Premier League start of the season with a solid performance, while the confidence returned to the team after Osula's goal.

"Today we went for more experience and leadership skills," Jaissle said afterwards.

"It was a tough game especially in the first half. But the second half was much better and we threatened the opposition more.

"If we are all together - this journey can be successful."

Newcastle started the weekend in 11th spot but this win lifted them to seventh before the late match between Sunderland and Leeds.

They have back-to-back games against Everton next - away on Thursday in the Carabao Cup before hosting David Moyes' side in the Premier League on 2 November.

The question is, will they use the result as a springboard to kick on?

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport football reporter at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Imagine the scene. It's 21 March 2027 and David Moyes is leading Everton out at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final in front of tens of thousands of Toffees fans.

Everton have been starved of a major trophy since 1995 but a win tonight will leave them with a quarter-final at League Two Fleetwood and a two-legged semi-final to negotiate to get to the final.

"We're all fully aware of the importance of a good cup run," writes Moyes in his programme notes. "We're one game away from the last- eight and progress can help boost confidence, as well as having a positive impact on league form.

"We want this run to continue as long as possible."

Izzy Christiansen
Former England and Man City midfielder on 5 Live

I think after the draw last night for the quarter-finals, we all saw the story of Fleetwood beating Arsenal on Tuesday night, you got to be thinking as the Premier League which these two are that it is quite a juicy prospect to face Fleetwood in the quarter-finals, and I mean that with the greatest respect to Fleetwood because we saw what they did to Arsenal, but for [Everton and Newcastle] they absolutely need to be in that quarter-final.

With Everton, mainly for the fan base. I think the fans need a cup run to cling on to alongside the Premier League campaign. I think for Newcastle being the holders two years ago, after winning this trophy they probably want to get their hands on it again, and they have a good opportunity to do so.

Everton manager David Moyes has been eliminated from seven of his last 10 League Cup ties against sides from the Premier League.

Two of the three he progressed from were in the fourth round in 2021-22 against Man City and 2023-24 again during his time as West Ham manager.

Newcastle United are looking to progress to the League Cup quarter-final for a fifth consecutive season. They have won their last seven ties in the fourth round, last falling at this stage in 2013-14 against Manchester City.

Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle will "go all in" for the EFL Cup competition, as he looks to mirror predecessor Eddie Howe's heroics in 2025.

"We are getting huge support again in an away match," Jaissle said.

"It is really special, during the week, that will we have 8,000 fans with us, taking the journey to support us."

Newcastle supporters will have fond memories of the EFL Cup, having seen their side win the competition in 2025 to end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.

The Magpies, then managed by Eddie Howe, stunned 10-time winners Liverpool at Wembley to claim their first major trophy since 1969.

Newcastle’s reign as holders ended in last season’s semi-finals, when they were beaten by eventual winners Manchester City.

After a turbulent start to the new season under Matthias Jaissle, a victory over Everton tonight would be a welcome boost for Newcastle.

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport football reporter at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton fans do not need reminding that it's 31 years since their club last won a major trophy. Win this and they will face League Two Fleetwood Town for a place in the two-legged semi-final.

The Carabao Cup, however, has become Newcastle's favourite competition in recent seasons. They have lost just four of their past 25 games in the competition, winning it in 2024-25.

If they win this tie, Newcastle will reach the quarter-finals for the fifth straight season.

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport football reporter at Hill Dickinson Stadium

While the headline Everton team news is Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection due to a breach of club discipline, Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling come into the starting XI in place of Harrison Armstrong and Brennan Johnson.

Everton starting XI: Pickford, Rohl, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Mykolenko, Hackney, Garner, Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Barry.

Subs: Travers, King, Maitland-Niles, Keane, Johnson, Norgaard, Alcaraz, Armstrong, Graham.

Newcastle have gone strong - just one change from the side that started the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Jacob Ramey comes into the side in place of Joelinton, who starts this one on the bench.

Newcastle starting XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall, Gonzalez, Ramsey, Murphy, Willock, Barnes, Osula.

Subs: Pope, Botman, Joelinton, Bamba, Wissa, Thiaw, Steur, Toure, Elanga.

Everton have said that winger Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection tonight “due to a breach of club discipline”.

Let's bring you the full team news from Merseyside.

Whoever progresses to the EFL quarter-finals tonight will face a trip to League Two Fleetwood Town, who beat Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties earlier this week.

In case you missed it, here is the draw in full:

Fleetwood Town v Everton or Newcastle

Manchester City v Bradford City

Crystal Palace v Sunderland

Liverpool v Bournemouth

The matches will be played in the week commencing 14 December.

Image source, Getty Images

Seven matches down, one to go.

We’ve had back-to-back nights of penalty drama in the EFL Cup so far this week.

Will that continue at Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight, as Everton and Newcastle meet in an all-Premier League clash?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images