All competing teams will be allowed to make up to five substitutions in the Carabao Cup fourth round later this month, the EFL has confirmed, in a rule change backed by Manchester City.
City last month moved one step closer to defending their Carabao Cup crown for a fifth successive season with a thumping 6-1 victory over League One side Wycombe Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium.
Their reward for coming from behind to beat Gareth Ainsworth's side is a fourth-round clash with fellow Premier League outfit West Ham, who knocked out Manchester United in the previous round.
The London Stadium test which will be City's fourth of five matches they must play between now and the end of October, highlighting just how big a strain that is going to be on Pep Guardiola and his players' fitness levels.
However, City have now been presented with a major boost to ease any fitness concerns they may have, after the EFL confirmed that the remaining 16 clubs in the competition this season will be allowed to make up to five changes during a match.
City were one of the 14 clubs still in the competition to back the proposal to increase the number of substitutions allowed, meaning Friday's announcement will have been well received by Guardiola and City's hierarchy.
The decision has been made after discussions were held between the EFL board, the Premier League and the two non-signatory clubs. The outcome has meant a change to Competition Rule 10.1 and the change will come into effect for the fourth round ties later this month.
The criteria for the opportunity to make five substitutions is as follows:
- Clubs will be able to make five substitutes from nine nominated.
- Clubs will have three opportunities during open play to make substitutions (not including half-time).
- Multiple substitutions can be made during one opportunity.
- For the Semi Final second leg and the Final, an additional opportunity will be afforded during open play in extra time (not including 90 mins and half time in extra-time).
- Unspent substitutions can be a carried over in extra time.
- Provision of concussion substitutes sits outside this process and can be made at any time.
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
