The latest round of the Carabao Cup brings significant attention to Manchester United, who are grappling with internal challenges as they prepare to host Brighton. A notable absence in the squad is 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who is reportedly seeking an exit to Real Madrid or Barcelona. This situation highlights the ongoing struggles of the club to secure its young talent.

Karl Darlow will make his debut, stepping in as a backup for Senne Lammens, and aims to solidify his position within the team.

Recent performances have put Manchester United under scrutiny. Following a disappointing derby defeat, the team looks to regain momentum in the cup after an inconsistent run under Michael Carrick, who took over after Ruben Amorim's departure. Despite a hefty £150m investment in midfielders, the squad's issues have resurfaced, raising concerns about their trajectory. Losing to Brighton and Fulham in the upcoming matches could lead to further criticism as the team heads into an international break.

In other matches, Coventry City faces Aston Villa, both teams eager to progress, albeit for different reasons. Coventry seeks to break a streak of poor form, while Aston Villa aims for deeper ambitions.

Fans can expect excitement at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton hosts Wolves with notable guests, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.

Fixtures for tonight include:

• Everton v Wolves at 7.45pm BST
• Fleetwood v Sheffield United at 7.45pm BST
• Coventry v Aston Villa at 8pm BST
• Manchester United v Brighton at 8pm BST

As the cup progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Manchester United and their quest for redemption.