Thanks as always for your company at tonight's game, but that's all from me this evening.
Our incredible five year unbeaten run in the Carabao Cup has finally come to an end with West Ham triumphing on penalties in a tense fourth round encounter.
You can check out all the match stats and reaction below.
We are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when we entertain Crystal Palace and you can follow all the action on our Matchday Centre.
Be sure to join us then but, in the meantime, enjoy the rest of the week.
"You just can't predict which way this game is going to go. City have certainly edged the last 15 minutes or so but it's just that final touch that we're missing at the moment.
"Credit has to go to West Ham, who are doing everything they can to limit us to long-range efforts.
"Surely something's got to give in these final few minutes?"
"Great chances for De Bruyne and Stones in the space of a couple of minutes.
"It just shows that even when we look under fire, Pep Guardiola's men are always a danger.
"It might be goalless, but you can't take your eyes off this game, and the two sets of supporters are doing their best to add to that with an incredible atmosphere!"
"Nathan Ake gives a thumbs up to John Stones and his centre-back partner gives him a clap in return after Andriy Yarmolenko is caught offside when racing onto a through ball.
"The opening few minutes of the second half have been very end to end - it looks like both sides are keen to try and get a foothold as early as possible, which makes for an entertaining game!"
Another inviting ball into the West Ham box, this time from Ilkay Gundogan.
The cross looks destined for the head of John Stones, who had stayed up following a corner, but Alphonse Areola does well to claim through a crowd of bodies.
An entertaining half, if lacking that all important breakthrough.
City go through some patient build up on the edge of the Hammers box but Ilkay Gundogan then blots his copy book by firing a shot high and wide over the bar.
"West Ham have grown into the game in the last ten minutes, pressing City high to try and force that mistake.
"The battle between Andriy Yarmolenko and Nathan Ake has been an intriguing one so far. The Ukrainian always looks a threat when he's cutting in on his left foot, but our Dutch defender has cleverly marshalled him away from danger on a couple of occasions already.
"This is turning into a real test for Pep Guardiola's men, but we've been up to it so far."
Great work by City and Cole Palmer almost opens the scoring.
Mahrez is the architect with some great work on the right flank he cuts inside and finds Palmer who fizzes in a shot which Hammers keeper Areola does well to save.
City pressing high and forcing West Ham to stay deep.
At the other end the Hammers launch a rare forward sortie and Zack Steffen then shows nerves of steel to clear nonchalantly on his line as Lanzini bears down on him
"City have done a really good job of silencing the home crowd in these early stages, patiently stroking the ball around in search of that opening in the West Ham defence.
"Cole Palmer is playing down the middle of the front three at the moment, but is interchanging with Ilkay Gundogan really well - it almost worked perfectly a few minutes ago, but the German couldn't quite bring the ball under his spell at the vital moment.
"The pyrotechnics are out in full force ahead of kick-off - while the light show we're being treated to makes you feel like you're at a massive cinema.
"It's a brilliant spectacle at the London Stadium, and it's certainly got the City fans in the mood."
"When I look at their team sheet and I look at ours, they have size, I look at Walker, Stones, Fernandinho... They will probably have a tactic to get 3 vs 3 or 3 vs 4 inside the box.
"Pepโs plan will be to not give up corners and free kicks in the final third."
George Kelsey is our man at the London Stadium tonight and he'll be providing us with regular updates throughout from the capital...
"West Ham are one of the form teams in the Premier League at the moment, but the players are looking sharp in the pre-match warmups.
"The starting XI have just finished taking part in a keep-ball session and are now testing out their shooting boots in front of the travelling City fans.
"The stadium is filling up nicely ahead of kick-off as well... hopefully there'll be plenty to shout about from the away end come full time!"
West Ham are a dangerous threat and are potent at set pieces, warns Andy Morrison:
"They are dangerous on set plays, they have Dawson one of the most outstanding attackers of a ball. Great strength. Yarmolenko on his day is exceptional so we have to keep in mind that they are all dangerous."
City have progressed from nine of our past 11 League Cup fourth round ties, only falling short to Manchester United in 2016-17 and Newcastle in 2014-15.
Andy Morrison likes the look of tonight's team - and our bench!
"The thing that I have to smile at, you look at the strength of that team and I see the bench. It changes and freshens things up but it is a very strong team.
"I was mindful, West Ham away is one of the most difficult we could of got because they are in good form and at home."
City, of course, fielded six of our exciting Academy youngsters in our 6-1 third round win over Wycombe.
And speaking ahead of tonight's game, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed that some of our impressive up and coming talent could potentially feature again this evening.
โSome of them but less than against Wycombe because in that moment we had injured players,โ Pep said.
โWe had different circumstances but yes, we will take a look in the next days.
"We play on Wednesday so we will see in training and after we will see what is the best decision.
I was fortunate enough to be present at the AMEX Stadium last Saturday to see City secure a fine 4-1 win at Brighton.
It was just the latest in a series of superb away performances this term, with Pep Guardiola's side in magnificent form during a spellbinding first 45 minutes.
Tonight's encounter against a very impressive West Ham will be equally demanding but City can go into the game full of confidence and belief.
City have progressed from/won each of our last 21 League Cup ties, with only Liverpool having a longer such run in the competition (25 between 1980 and 1984).
City, of course boast an remarkable record in the Carabao Cup.
Winners of the trophy for the past four seasons, Pep Guardiola's side are searching for what would be a record-breaking fifth straight League Cup success this term.
Such is our incredible record of success, you have to go back five years and a day - October 26, 2016 - to the last time we were knocked out of the competition.
Fingers crossed we can extend that proud record tonight.
As always we want to hear from you ahead of tonight's match.
How is everyone feeling ahead of tonight's big match? What team would you select? And what are your score predictions?
Audience participation is actively encouraged for both the Matchday Centre and Matchday Live, so to let us know your thoughts use #ManCity on Twitter or send a WhatsApp message to +447537186538.
Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison are the guests on todayโs Matchday Live show, which begins just over anhour before kick-off at 18:40 (UK).
The City legends will be joining Natalie Pike in the studio at the Etihad Stadium, where they will be providing the usual City-focused mix of entertainment and analysis ahead of the game.
The panel will reconvene at half-time and full-time to share their thoughts on the game, and, as always, it will be the perfect accompaniment to your matchday viewing!
And a warm welcome to the Matchday Centre for tonightโs Carabao Cup fourth round trip to West Ham United.
After a superb Premier League victory at Brighton at the weekend, Pep Guardiolaโs side switch attentions to a competition itโs fair to say we have grown somewhat fond of having won it for the past four seasons!
The game kicks-off at 19:45 (UK) and from now on, I will be guiding you throughout the evening with all the pre-match build-up, in game action and post-match reaction.
With the Hammers also in fine form all the portents are in place for what should be a belting encounter in the capital.
Hereโs hoping we can maintain our fine run of form!
We will have full coverage of this evening's game right here on manicty.com and on the official Man City app.
Live text updates begin at 17:45, before our Matchday Live studio shows begins at around 18:40. Our guests this evening are Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison.
For those who like an audio accompaniment throughout the 90 minutes, Michael Brown is joining Ali Mann for this one.
And CITY+ subscribers can watch a full 90-minute replay of the game from midnight.
Join us here from 17:45 and you won't miss a thing!
City are looking to win that competition for a fifth-successive season โ and a seventh time in nine seasons.
Since a young City side last exited the competition at the hands of Manchester United in a 1-0 fourth-round encounter in October 2016 during the early part of Guardiolaโs first season in charge, the Club have become a by-word for Carabao Cup success.
In the ensuing five years since that 1-0 Old Trafford loss, we have lost just once, winning 23 of 24 matches (four of which came after a penalty shootout), with our only setback being a 1-0 loss to United in a semi-final second leg two seasons ago.
Commentary By @
Signing off ๐
Thanks as always for your company at tonight's game, but that's all from me this evening.
Our incredible five year unbeaten run in the Carabao Cup has finally come to an end with West Ham triumphing on penalties in a tense fourth round encounter.
You can check out all the match stats and reaction below.
We are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when we entertain Crystal Palace and you can follow all the action on our Matchday Centre.
Be sure to join us then but, in the meantime, enjoy the rest of the week.
'We have a lot of games'
Pep on bringing Kyle Walker off and Joao Cancelo on at half time:
"They have played a lot of minutes. I donโt want to put anything extra on them.
"We have a lot of games. Crystal Palace (on Saturday) and then Brugge, a final to qualify for the next round (of the Champions League).
Pep's praise for Raheem Sterling
"Really good. He was so aggressive without the ball, but especially with it.
"Every time he was there. I think he did a really good game."
'Phil had the courage to take the first penalty'
More reaction from Pep:
"No (I have not spoken to Phil yet). Tomorrow. He had the courage to take the first penalty.
"When you live this kind of experience next time you will be much better."
Pep - 'An incredible run has finished'
Pep Guardiola's verdict:
"An incredible run has finished. We finished in a good way. We played in a really good way, creating chances against a team who defended deep.
"On penalties they were better. Congratulations to West Ham. Next year we will be back."
Elsewhere this evening...
Just for the record, Leicester, Liverpool, Tottenham and Brentford all progressed through their fourth round ties tonight.
Hold your heads up high, lads
Here's our official verdict...
Shaun Goater:
"It was always going to be tough and well done to West Ham they put a good fight and tactically were very good."
A tough one to take
'Penalties are always a lottery'
Andy Morrison's full time view:
"Make no mistake we all knew this would be a tough game and when it goes to penalties it is always a complete lottery."
'We will learn from this'
Shaun Goater's verdict:
"As game wore on West Ham felt they had a chance. You have to say well done as they put their penalties away.
"I like the bravery of the City boys to take the penalties and Phil Foden was brave enough to take that first one. We'll learn from this"
Fair play to West Ham who converted all their spot kicks.
Really tough on City though.
I felt we did enough to win that in normal time.
All over
West Ham win 5-3 on penalties.
Our long, proud Carabao Cup run comes to an end.
Cruel way to lose.
Its there - West Ham win
Benrahma can win it for West Ham
Its there!!!
4-3 West Ham
Grealish up next. He has to score.
Now its Creswell for West Ham.
Its there - 4-2 for West Ham
Gabriel Jesus is next up.
Its there!! 3-2 West Ham after three spot kICKS
Now its Dawson for West Ham.
Its there - 3-1 West Ham
Cancelo is next up for City.
Its there 2-1 West Ham after two spot kicks
Bowen up next for West Ham
Its in just past Steffen
Foden misses
Foden up for City. Come on Phil
Noble scores
Noble up first for West Ham
West Ham won coin toss to decide on ends and the Hammers look like taking the first kick too
Pep talk
Pep urging on the players in a pre-shot out huddle.
We're almost set to go..
Hold your nerve
Worth noting we have won two Carabao Cup finals on penalties.
Our shoot out record is excellent. Let's hope that continues!!
Full time
That's it. Penalties are incoming.
How are your nerves?
So close
Gundo's free kick is blocked but the ball is reworked and Jesus fins Sterling in the box but his header is straight at Areloa
City free kick
Ferna is brought down on the edge of the box by Fornells.
Big chance to win it at the death!
Three added minutes
Into stoppage time at the London Stadium
Argh
Fernandinho fires in from 20 yards, the ball is partially blocked and then Foden battles before sending a 15 yard effort just wide.
Into the 89th minute. Still goalless.
Will there be a late, late hero or are we set for penalties?
Phew
Cancelo misses a high ball in out box and the balls falls to Soucek but his execution is awry and the ball goes over.
City looking the more likely side here as we force another corner.
Clockl watch
Both managers pacing the touchline.
You can feel the tension. Just over five minutes to go.
What a save!
Zinchenko thunders in a powerful swerving 25 yard shot and Areloa performs wonders to tip the effort over the bar.
So close for City.
Changes
Jack Grealish on and Kevin De Bruyne off while for the Hammers Coufal is on for Lanzini.
Both managers going for it.
So close
After a period of patent build up play an arcing ball from Fernandinho is a fraction too strong for Cancelo.
End to end
Tidy work from Steffen there as he coolly gathers on the edge of his box to deny Bowen.
City race up the other end and Ben Johnson is there in the nick of time to deny Gundogan as he latched onto De Bruyne's pass.
Something's got to give?
George Kelsey at the London Stadium
"You just can't predict which way this game is going to go. City have certainly edged the last 15 minutes or so but it's just that final touch that we're missing at the moment.
"Credit has to go to West Ham, who are doing everything they can to limit us to long-range efforts.
"Surely something's got to give in these final few minutes?"
Another City change
Cole Palmer off and Gabriel Jesus is on
So close!
That was almost it!
Foden fired in on goal the ball was deflected into the path of Gundogan with just Areloa to beat five yards out but he couldn't control the ball.
Big chance
West Ham reminding everyone that they have become a very good side indeed under David Moyes.
Compelling game for the neutral
Arghh
Sterling ahs shifted to the right flank and he just danced into the West Ham but Diop got the block in just as he was poised to shoot.
City change
Phil Foden is on for Riyad Mahrez.
Can he help us make the breakthrough?
Now Lanzini has a go from 20 yards and the effort is deflected behind by Zinchenko.
Game on a knife edge here.
Argh
Great work by Cole Palmer initially as he drifts inside and finds Sterling but from the return ball, Palmer blazes a shot way over the bar.
Rush of blood to the head there!
Young gun
Cole Palmer tries his luck for City.
Penalties calling?
A reminder that if it does end all square at 90 minutes we will go straight to penalties.
Action stations
Gundogan does well defensively as he clears Cresswell's cross behind.
Meanwhile Joao Cancelo has taken a knock but is back on his feet.
Proper Cup tie this.
No quarter given from either side.
Triple West Ham change
Change aplenty from Hammers boss David Moyes
Off: Yarmolenko, Vlasic, Masuaku
On: Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals
Save
Now Mahrez fizzes in a shot from 10 yards which is gathered by Areloa.
Just the 15 shots for City so far.
Can't take your eyes off this!
George Kelsey at the London Stadium
"Great chances for De Bruyne and Stones in the space of a couple of minutes.
"It just shows that even when we look under fire, Pep Guardiola's men are always a danger.
"It might be goalless, but you can't take your eyes off this game, and the two sets of supporters are doing their best to add to that with an incredible atmosphere!"
Close
Now West Ham come within a whisker as Thomas Soucek sends a whipped effort from 12 yards just wide.
The game has gone up several gears in intensity.
Best of the bunch
Brilliant save from Areloa there to deny John Stones who thunders in header from five yards from De Bruyne's corner.
That had goal written all over it.
Save
Sterling cuts inside from the left and drills in a low shot with Areloa saves.
City power forward again almost instantly and the Hammers keeper does well to parry away a deflected De Bruyne shot.
Hammers pressure
West Ham's best moment sees the hosts twice come close.
Yarmolenko's close range shot is blocked by Zinchenko after Steffen parried away Masuaku's initial effort.
Vital work by City there.
Thumbs aloft
George Kelsey at the London Stadium
"Nathan Ake gives a thumbs up to John Stones and his centre-back partner gives him a clap in return after Andriy Yarmolenko is caught offside when racing onto a through ball.
"The opening few minutes of the second half have been very end to end - it looks like both sides are keen to try and get a foothold as early as possible, which makes for an entertaining game!"
Close
Another wonderful chance!
Brilliant work from Cole Palmer as he feeds Ilkay Gundogan on the left channel and the German's shot beats Areola but also evades the far post.
Deserved a goal that.
Argh
Another rapid City attack ends up in frustration as Mahrez's attempted shot only hits De Bruyne.
Crucial tackle
Great work by Fernandinho as he robs Masuaku in our box as he shapes to shoot.
However, the hosts regroup and the West Ham man then fizzes a shot just over the bar much to City's relief.
Argh
Patient build up from City once more but Sterling's attempted pass to Palmer on the edge of the West Ham box is intercepted.
Driving force
Kevin De Bruyne on the march for City.
Second half
We are back underway at the London Stadium.
Come on, City!!
Talking of which...
A half time change as Joao Cancelo comes on for Kyle Walker
Waiting in the wings
As Shaun Goater alluded, there is strength aplenty on City's bench if needed.
Big second 45 minutes coming up in London.
Options aplenty
Shaun Goater's half time view:
"Weโve got some good options, would love to see Edozie but I think Pep will want game to be well enough clear."
Slow burner
Andy Morrison's first half thoughts:
"It was a bit slow to start with, bit safe at times.
"We have got into good positions hasnโt fell quite right, real good chance at the end with Ake.
"It looks like a 5-4-1 for West Ham, with ten men behind the ball and very slow and difficult for City to counter from deep position."
Centre of attention
John Stones looks to get City motoring.
All to play for
That chance from Nathan Ake was the closest we came to a goal.
Encouraging signs as we look ahead to the second half.
Plenty of twists and turns to come.
TUNE IN
Join Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison now as they run the rule over that first 45 minutes.
Plenty to discuss from what was an absorbing half but still no goals!
All square at the break
That Ake header is the last chance of the half.
End to end stuff, just lacking that all important breakthrough so far.
Head Ake
This time it's Nathan Ake's turn to go close, as he glances Riyad Mahrez's free-kick just wide of the far post.
The Dutchman just can't quite make enough contact to guide his effort on target.
Getting closer
Another inviting ball into the West Ham box, this time from Ilkay Gundogan.
The cross looks destined for the head of John Stones, who had stayed up following a corner, but Alphonse Areola does well to claim through a crowd of bodies.
An entertaining half, if lacking that all important breakthrough.
Defensive diligence
An important defensive header from Zinchenko, who gets to a deep cross from the left ahead of Vlasic.
The ball spins high into the air, and Steffen is on hand to claim.
High pressure
A miscued pass from Zinchenko is intercepted by Nikola Vlasic, but five City players are in on the Croatian in a flash.
The pressure continues back to Craig Dawson who tries a long ball over the top to Andriy Yarmolenko, but the Ukrainian is caught offside.
Brilliant pressing from City.
Bossing it ๐ช
Almost!
Another decent chance for City, as Ilkay Gundogan combines well with Oleks Zinchenko down the left to get in behind the West Ham defence.
The midfielder floats an inviting ball to the far post and into the path of Riyad Mahrez, who pulls the trigger with his weaker right foot.
The effort flashes just wide of the far post, but it's a promising sign for City as we head towards the 40-minute mark.
High and wide
City go through some patient build up on the edge of the Hammers box but Ilkay Gundogan then blots his copy book by firing a shot high and wide over the bar.
Crowded out
Sterling wriggles his way into the West Ham box with some great skill but is crowded out in the box.
Proper cup tie this with both sides straining every sinew
'A proper test'
From George Kelsey at the London Stadium
"West Ham have grown into the game in the last ten minutes, pressing City high to try and force that mistake.
"The battle between Andriy Yarmolenko and Nathan Ake has been an intriguing one so far. The Ukrainian always looks a threat when he's cutting in on his left foot, but our Dutch defender has cleverly marshalled him away from danger on a couple of occasions already.
"This is turning into a real test for Pep Guardiola's men, but we've been up to it so far."
Close!
Great work by City and Cole Palmer almost opens the scoring.
Mahrez is the architect with some great work on the right flank he cuts inside and finds Palmer who fizzes in a shot which Hammers keeper Areola does well to save.
Ouch
Masuaku clatters into Kyle Walker and referee Jon Moss awards a free kick to City.
That will sting tomorrow.
Head boy
Oleks Zinchenko heads clear.
Danger averted
Yarmolenko wins a free kick on the edge of the City box after an Ake challenge.
The ball is floated in by Noble but De Bruyne clears the immediate danger.
West Ham keep the ball alive but City clear our lines.
Save
Fine save from City keeper Zack Steffen as Mark Noble lets fly from 20 yards.
City immediately launch a raid up front through Raheem Sterling and De Bruyne and win a corner.
However the set piece comes to nothing.
Off radar
Another rarity there as De Bruyne gifts the ball to Lanzini.
Not something you see every day.
Watching brief
David Moyes on sentinel duty on the touchline.
Pep currently looking on from his seat. Think he will be fairly with our start so far.
Mr Cool
City pressing high and forcing West Ham to stay deep.
At the other end the Hammers launch a rare forward sortie and Zack Steffen then shows nerves of steel to clear nonchalantly on his line as Lanzini bears down on him
Forward march
Raheem Sterling takes the fight to West Ham
'City in the groove early on'
From George Kelsey at the London Stadium:
"City have done a really good job of silencing the home crowd in these early stages, patiently stroking the ball around in search of that opening in the West Ham defence.
"Cole Palmer is playing down the middle of the front three at the moment, but is interchanging with Ilkay Gundogan really well - it almost worked perfectly a few minutes ago, but the German couldn't quite bring the ball under his spell at the vital moment.
"A good start from City so far."
Almost...
Now Ilkay Gundogan drifts into the Hammers box only for Ben Johnson to clear the danger.
Respect
David Moyes and Pep Guardiola exchange greetings
Arrgh
Mahrez waltzes his way into the Hammers box and the ball breaks free to Palmer but the City youngster is just offside.
Good start here by City.
Loud and proud
The City fans already in great voice with our sell out travelling fans getting right behind Pep's players.
Great atmosphere already.
Close
Raheem Sterling cuts in the from the left and looks to supply Cole Palmer but his ball is just a touch too strong and Hammers keeper Areola gathers.
De Bruyne then tries to curl an inviting ball to Palmer but its a tad too strong.
Too strong...
City already into our possession based game but Kevin De Bruyne overhits a long range pass to Riyad Mahrez on the right flank.
Pitch perfect
Still, clear and calm in East London - prefect night for a high quality game.
Dressed to thrill
City in our third kit again tonight. It brought us luck on Saturday at Brighton.
Hopefully it can be a lucky omen again tonight!
KICK-OFF ๐
We are underway at the London Stadium. Come on, City!!
Almost set
We are nearly ready to go at the London Stadium. Looking forward to this one - should be a cracker!
Lights, cameras, action!!!
From George Kelsey at the London Stadium:
"The pyrotechnics are out in full force ahead of kick-off - while the light show we're being treated to makes you feel like you're at a massive cinema.
"It's a brilliant spectacle at the London Stadium, and it's certainly got the City fans in the mood."
'Don't concede set-pieces!
The Goat - The Hammers possess a physical threat
"When I look at their team sheet and I look at ours, they have size, I look at Walker, Stones, Fernandinho... They will probably have a tactic to get 3 vs 3 or 3 vs 4 inside the box.
"Pepโs plan will be to not give up corners and free kicks in the final third."
A quick reminder of how we line up tonight...
Getting in the groove!
Raheem goes through his pre-match paces.
Stage set for some Razzle dazzle?
The Goat on Raheem Sterling...
"He will be excited and looking forward to this game. You know the teams you do well against.
"That will be a fixture that comes round and he thinks I want to be playing , I can score, I can contribute. This is one where I can score goals."
Sharp shooters
George Kelsey is our man at the London Stadium tonight and he'll be providing us with regular updates throughout from the capital...
"West Ham are one of the form teams in the Premier League at the moment, but the players are looking sharp in the pre-match warmups.
"The starting XI have just finished taking part in a keep-ball session and are now testing out their shooting boots in front of the travelling City fans.
"The stadium is filling up nicely ahead of kick-off as well... hopefully there'll be plenty to shout about from the away end come full time!"
Warming to the task...
Ilkay Gundogan gets in the big match groove...
Lucky omen?
West Ham have been eliminated from both of their League Cup ties with City.
The Hammers lost a third round replay 2-1 in 1984-85, and then went down 9-0 on aggregate in the 2013-14 semi-final.
The Goat waxing lyrical about Cole Palmer...
'Hammers carry a threat'...
West Ham are a dangerous threat and are potent at set pieces, warns Andy Morrison:
"They are dangerous on set plays, they have Dawson one of the most outstanding attackers of a ball. Great strength. Yarmolenko on his day is exceptional so we have to keep in mind that they are all dangerous."
Here's how our hosts line up...
On cloud nine...
City have progressed from nine of our past 11 League Cup fourth round ties, only falling short to Manchester United in 2016-17 and Newcastle in 2014-15.
Fernandinho 'A true leader'
Andy Morrison had nothing but praise for the impact and influence of Fernandinho who skippers City tonight...
"Fernandinho - what an outstanding individual the way he has carried the team the way he conducts his business on the pitch.
"He is a leader and sets incredibly high standards of yourself. He never lets us down, when it comes to reading danger he is the best.
"He has been the outstanding holding midfielder. He has led this club for a long period and he won't let us down."
Reporting for duty...
The Goat - 'I love Cole Palmer!' ๐
Fair to say Shaun Goater is excited to see Cole Palmer in tonight's starting line up!
"I love this kid. When I first saw him I thought he could play. He is actually taking the ball and taking responsibility.
"I love left footers because they do things in a different way, he has a lovely left foot and I want to see more of this kid."
Team news and tactics...
Winding back the clock ๐
Strength to endure!
Andy Morrison likes the look of tonight's team - and our bench!
"The thing that I have to smile at, you look at the strength of that team and I see the bench. It changes and freshens things up but it is a very strong team.
"I was mindful, West Ham away is one of the most difficult we could of got because they are in good form and at home."
TUNE IN NOW! ๐บ
Join Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison on Matchday Live now as they pair of City legends join Natalie Pike to run the rule over tonight's big game.
Here's how we line up this evening ๐
Pep Guardiola makes nine changes from the side that won at Brighton last weekend with Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker retaining their places.
CITY XI: Steffen, Walker, Stones, Akรฉ, Zinchenko, Fernandinho (C), Gundogan, De Bruyne, Sterling, Palmer, Mahrez
Substitutes: Carson, Dias, Jesus, Grealish, Laporte, Rodrigo, Cancelo, Foden, Edozie
Well, it is THAT time of year!! ๐๐ป
Six appeal...
Pep - 'We know it is not easy'
More from the boss on the task awaiting us this evening:
"The League Cup is a tournament in this country and we have done quite well.
โWe won it for the fourth time in a row and still we are there.
โWe know which team we are going to face โ West Ham away โ so it is not an easy one.
โAt the same time, we are going to prepare to try to win the game like we do any game in any competition.โ
Scene setter...
Action stations โฝ
There are four other fourth round games taking place tonight besides our encounter.
Leicester host Brighton, Preston entertain Liverpool, Stoke are at home to Brentford while Burnley tackle Tottenham at Turf Moor.
Chelsea and Arsenal have already booked their places in the quarter-finals.
Will be fascinating to see what drama unfolds in tonight's games.
Nice night for it!
Young at heart?
City, of course, fielded six of our exciting Academy youngsters in our 6-1 third round win over Wycombe.
And speaking ahead of tonight's game, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed that some of our impressive up and coming talent could potentially feature again this evening.
โSome of them but less than against Wycombe because in that moment we had injured players,โ Pep said.
โWe had different circumstances but yes, we will take a look in the next days.
"We play on Wednesday so we will see in training and after we will see what is the best decision.
โSome of them are going to play, yes.โ
Ferna's primed ๐ช
Ilkay's all fired up... ๐
Ilkay Gundogan says he and his City colleagues are all eagerly looking forward to this evening's clash:
โYes, we are looking forward to it.
โItโs game by game, thereโs not really much of a break between the games (but that is) kind of good as well.
โAt the end of the day, we are competitors and want to play as much as possible.
โWeโre going from competition to competition and now itโs onto the next one.โ
Taste for travel ๐ผ
I was fortunate enough to be present at the AMEX Stadium last Saturday to see City secure a fine 4-1 win at Brighton.
It was just the latest in a series of superb away performances this term, with Pep Guardiola's side in magnificent form during a spellbinding first 45 minutes.
Tonight's encounter against a very impressive West Ham will be equally demanding but City can go into the game full of confidence and belief.
Cup for it!!
Stat attack part one ๐
City have progressed from/won each of our last 21 League Cup ties, with only Liverpool having a longer such run in the competition (25 between 1980 and 1984).
Five years and counting
City, of course boast an remarkable record in the Carabao Cup.
Winners of the trophy for the past four seasons, Pep Guardiola's side are searching for what would be a record-breaking fifth straight League Cup success this term.
Such is our incredible record of success, you have to go back five years and a day - October 26, 2016 - to the last time we were knocked out of the competition.
Fingers crossed we can extend that proud record tonight.
It's your shout ๐ฑ
As always we want to hear from you ahead of tonight's match.
How is everyone feeling ahead of tonight's big match? What team would you select? And what are your score predictions?
Audience participation is actively encouraged for both the Matchday Centre and Matchday Live, so to let us know your thoughts use #ManCity on Twitter or send a WhatsApp message to +447537186538.
We can't wait to hear from you!
The calm before the storm...
All is quiet right now with the London Stadium looking resplendent in the late October light. It will be a tad more lively come 7.45pm!
TUNE IN ๐บ
Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison are the guests on todayโs Matchday Live show, which begins just over anhour before kick-off at 18:40 (UK).
The City legends will be joining Natalie Pike in the studio at the Etihad Stadium, where they will be providing the usual City-focused mix of entertainment and analysis ahead of the game.
The panel will reconvene at half-time and full-time to share their thoughts on the game, and, as always, it will be the perfect accompaniment to your matchday viewing!
It's matchday! ๐
A very good evening, City fans!
And a warm welcome to the Matchday Centre for tonightโs Carabao Cup fourth round trip to West Ham United.
After a superb Premier League victory at Brighton at the weekend, Pep Guardiolaโs side switch attentions to a competition itโs fair to say we have grown somewhat fond of having won it for the past four seasons!
The game kicks-off at 19:45 (UK) and from now on, I will be guiding you throughout the evening with all the pre-match build-up, in game action and post-match reaction.
With the Hammers also in fine form all the portents are in place for what should be a belting encounter in the capital.
Hereโs hoping we can maintain our fine run of form!
West Ham v City - Full coverage later
We will have full coverage of this evening's game right here on manicty.com and on the official Man City app.
Live text updates begin at 17:45, before our Matchday Live studio shows begins at around 18:40. Our guests this evening are Shaun Goater and Andy Morrison.
For those who like an audio accompaniment throughout the 90 minutes, Michael Brown is joining Ali Mann for this one.
And CITY+ subscribers can watch a full 90-minute replay of the game from midnight.
Join us here from 17:45 and you won't miss a thing!
Carabao Cup success
City are looking to win that competition for a fifth-successive season โ and a seventh time in nine seasons.
Since a young City side last exited the competition at the hands of Manchester United in a 1-0 fourth-round encounter in October 2016 during the early part of Guardiolaโs first season in charge, the Club have become a by-word for Carabao Cup success.
In the ensuing five years since that 1-0 Old Trafford loss, we have lost just once, winning 23 of 24 matches (four of which came after a penalty shootout), with our only setback being a 1-0 loss to United in a semi-final second leg two seasons ago.
Incredible.
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