Seven reasons to look forward to the Carabao Cup this week including return of Manchester United ace Luke Shaw

DON'T be confused by the brand name, the League Cup is back - and you don't need a can of Carabao to keep up with it all.

That's right, the trophy previously known as the Milk Cup, the Capital One Cup, the Worthington Cup, not to be confused with the Carling Cup (they were the same thing), the Rumbelows Cup (me neither), the Coca-Cola Cup and the EFL Cup is back!

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Like an old friend who has a new set of clothes and a new girlfriend every time you see them, it's still the same old thing.

Back when only a few clubs had floodlights for midweek games, this competition seemed like a good idea.

And, to be fair, it has thrown up some of the most exciting matches in English football history.

Here are seven reasons why - even if you missed the 4am draw in China (shame on you) - you'll want to watch the midweek action.

1. NEW STARS ARE BORN

KIDS get games in this competition. It's a fact.

If you want to know how that lad who has been making noises in the reserves and the youth-team ranks will fare in a first-team scenario, look no further.

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Last year, Ben Woodburn made his Liverpool debut and the competition has blooded emerging talents like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and most of the class of 92 - Paul Scholes scoring two on his debut against Port Vale.

Who will we be talking about come Thursday?

2...WHICH BRINGS US ON TO THIS YEAR'S STARLETS

CHELSEA, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal could all be about to play some of their brightest academy talent.

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Blues youngster Ethan Ampadu could play against Nottingham Forest, while Wales team-mate Woodburn could feature for Liverpool against Leicester.

United's starlet Angel Gomes is tipped to play against Burton, Phil Foden against West Brom and Reiss Nelson for Arsenal versus Doncaster.

Keep your eyes peeled, football fans.

3. THEY TRIED TO MAKE ME GO TO REHAB

LUKE SHAW and Jack Wilshere could be some notable returnees to first-team football for their clubs.

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If the long-lived mysteries over both players' fitness are to resolve themselves, this week could be a turning point.

Wilshere came off the bench for Arsenal's Europa League clash with Cologne, but hasn't started, while Shaw started against the Gunners' reserves as United lost 2-0.

Either way, it feels like a make-or-break period for both stars.

4. CUPSETS APLENTY

CAN another club do what Bradford City did in 2012-13 and make it all the way to Wembley from League Two?

That really was a heck of a run - and KO'd teams included Arsenal, Wigan and Aston Villa.

Don't write off the likes of Bristol City against Stoke, Bolton at West Ham or Barnsley at Tottenham.

Surely Doncaster can't beat Arsenal... can they?

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5. EMPTY SEATS... AND CHEAP TICKETS

YOU wouldn't expect Manchester United to fill Old Trafford against Burton, Arsenal against Doncaster and definitely Spurs welcoming Barnsley to Wembley.

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But there is an opportunity to be had here with prices.

Tottenham's cheapest prices are as little as £8 for kids at Wembley, while United's are around £10 for under 16s.

6. CHANCE TO ADVANCE

AS for the likes of Brentford, Norwich, Wolves, Bristol Rovers, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, the third round is an opportunity to progress in a cup competition.

And the chance to play big Premier league opposition, especially League One Rovers - who will fancy their chances against Wolves.

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7. YOUR BETTING SLIP BEING SHOT TO HELL

CHANCES are a few expected results will not come off.

So expect that acca not to survive too long during Tuesday and Wednesday's fixtures.

If we're wrong, then, JACKPOT!