There will be no extra time tonight if the scores are level after 90 minutes.
Instead in changes that were announced before the season started, the Carabao Cup clashes will go straight to penalties to avoid fatigue on players. The rule was introduced this season and will avoid the prospect of a marathon St James’ Park clash before Saturday’s crunch Premier League game against Watford.
Unlike last season, the penalties will be taken in the traditional format after the EFL decided to scrap the ABBA format that they used last season, where one team took back-to-back penalties in an attempt to improve the drama of the shoot out.
VAR will also be in force tonight, with all Premier League grounds hosting games using the technology in the League Cup.
