Whereas Bristol City are now four-games deep in their 2020/21 campaign, Aston Villa have played just matches in what has been a delayed start to their season.
The first of those was a comfortable 3-1 win at Burton Albion in the second round before kicking off the Premier League by beating Sheffield United 1-0.
Dean Smith's side are therefore a little bit behind the Robins in terms of minutes in the legs and that coupled with the weekend league schedule should affect how they line-up at Ashton Gate.
So too City, who have started with four wins from four under Dean Holden and are looking to continue that momentum in this third round tie with a match against Stoke awaiting the winners.
Here are all the key details ahead of the 7pm kick-off ...
How to watch
The game is not being streamed on Robins TV and will instead be on the new service carabaocup.live with match passes costing £10. Robins TV are hosting an audio only service for £2.50.
Users will require a minimum internet download speed of 1.2mbps for standard definition, with latency not exceeding 100ms. For HD, users need an internet download speed of at least 4mbps with latency not exceeding 50ms. Visit speedtest to find out whether your internet connection is strong enough.
BBC Radio Bristol will also be providing commentary (not online) from Ashton Gate with their pre-match broadcast beginning at 18:00.
We will also be providing full build-up, action and reaction via Bristol Live and on our dedicated match blog.
Injury news
Bristol City are without centre-back Tomas Kalas (shoulder) and Nathan Baker (hamstring), while midfielder Joe Williams, Liam Walsh (both thigh), Callum O'Dowda (groin) and Joe Morrell (calf) are also out.
Left-back Jay Dasilva has returned to training after a two-week absence with a shin issue, but the game is likely to be too soon.
Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa has a slight hamstring issue which he played through against Sheffield United but won't be risked in BS3, while fellow defender Bjorn Engels has a thigh strain.
Former Bristol City goalkeeper Tom Heaton and striker Wesley are recovering from serious knee ligament injuries and won't play any part.
Likely line-ups
Bristol City (3-5-2): Dan Bentley; Zak Vyner, Alfie Mawson, Taylor Moore; Steven Sessegnon, Adam Nagy, Chris Brunt, Kasey Palmer, Niclas Eliasson; Famara Diedhiou
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Jed Steer; Ahmed Elmohamady, Kourtney Hause, Tyrone Mings, Neil Taylor; Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Ramsey, Henri Lansbury; Bertrand Traore, Keinan Davis, Anwar El Ghazi
What the coaches are saying
Bristol City head coach Dean Holden: "It’s a competitive game we want to win. I’m not interested whether it’s a league or cup games we just want to win the game.
"They’re a Premier League team, it’s another big test for us and whoever goes out there from the start or off the bench are putting in good performances."
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith: "It is another busy week. There are no days off. We were straight back in to training on Tuesday and will be ready for the game."
Referee
James Linington will take charge tonight for his third game of the season.
Linington refereed three City games last season: the 2-1 home win over Charlton, the 1-0 victory at Reading and the 1-1 draw with Stoke at Ashton Gate after lockdown.
He issued 74 yellow cards in 2019/20 - one every 2.46 games - and three reds, including Famara Diedhiou in that match against the Addicks.
Match odds
Bristol City win - 12/5
Draw - 5/2
Aston Villa win - 11/10
