Manchester United face Brighton in one of four Carabao Cup third-round matches covered live by The Guardian. The other fixtures listed are Coventry City against Aston Villa, Fleetwood Town against Sheffield United and Everton against Wolves.
United’s starting lineup includes goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is making his debut as he attempts to establish himself as backup to Senne Lammens. The team also features Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko, with substitutes including Lammens, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee.
The Guardian says the team news has been dominated by the absence of 15-year-old JJ Gabriel. The report states that Gabriel has been considering a move away from Old Trafford and is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, while United are trying to persuade him that his future remains at the club.
Brighton’s listed XI includes Jason Steele, Yasin Ayari? No, the supplied lineup names Costinha, Vuskovic, Boscagli and Stuijk in defence, with O’Riley and Gross among the midfielders and Kostoulas in attack. The Guardian also notes that Zirkzee has struggled for playing time, while offering commentary on several other players and selection decisions.
Coventry’s lineup includes Hamer and Gboho, while Aston Villa’s features John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Tammy Abraham. The Guardian characterizes the fixture as a Midlands derby and suggests the teams may have competing priorities, though the local rivalry could add intensity.
Fleetwood host Championship side Sheffield United in what The Guardian describes as a major opportunity for an upset. Everton and Wolves complete the schedule, with kickoff times listed as 7:45 p.m. BST for Everton-Wolves and Fleetwood-Sheffield United, and 8 p.m. BST for Coventry-Villa and Manchester United-Brighton.