Meanwhile, Crystal Palace enters this cup clash looking to get back on track after three losses in their last four contests. The Eagles will nevertheless feel confident of inflicting more pain on their hosts today, having already beaten Liverpool twice this season, in the Community Shield and in the Premier League.

Here’s how to watch the EFL Cup match on TV and live stream as well as the latest team news. The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.

Villa march north in a different mood. Unai Emery has chiselled resilience and ambition into this squad, a group now comfortable in the Premier League’s sharp company. Winless in their opening six games, they have since lost one of seven, culminating in that eye widening victory against Manchester City. Confidence does not just exist, it travels.