The Carabao Cup reaches the business end of the competition as 16 teams battle for a quarter-final spot.

The holders Manchester United travel to Swansea, while Chelsea host Everton fresh from sacking Ronald Koeman.

Tottenham host West Ham in a fiery London derby, while the form side in the country, Manchester City, host fellow table-toppers Wolves.

Perhaps the best chance for a second-tier side to progress further comes in the form of Bristol City, who host a Crystal Palace side likely to be more concerned with their relegation battle.

Here are six talking points from a fascinating last 16:

Video Loading

1. Unsworth to bring the feel-good factor back

Fresh from Ronald Koeman's sacking, Everton travel to Stamford Bridge in hope of a morale-boosting performance.

Caretaker manager David Unsworth could bring the feel good factor back amongst the Toffees faithful after a successful spell in charger of the Under-23s.

Ademola Lookman looks to be a prime candidate to receive an increase in minutes with his pace and exuberance to at least give the Toffees another dimension.

Unsworth may take a look at the likes of Beni Baningime, Morgan Feeney and David Henen in the weeks to come. But merely giving some fresh ideas and freedom to the players will help Everton quickly pick up.

David Unsworth takes temporary charge of the first team (
Image:
Getty)

2. Robins aim to bounce back with golden opportunity to reach quarters

Bristol City are currently enjoying a fine season with highly-rated young manager Lee Johnson guiding the Robins to seventh in the Championship.

A 12-game unbeaten streak was snapped by fellow form side Leeds at the weekend, but the last 16 tie at home to Crystal Palace presents a golden opportunity for them to reach the quarter-finals.

Roy Hodgson will surely lean on the side of caution and ring the changes; happily shaking hands should somebody be able to guarantee him three points at the weekend in return for a cup exit tonight.

Aiden Flint has shone this season, capturing the September player of the month award in the Championship, with a big move surely only a matter of time.

It's been a couple of games since we've seen the Robins bring out their excellent collect of goal GIFs, @bcfctweets is worth a follow tonight, especially if Bobby Reid scores to bring out the fire extinguisher.

Lee Johnson will aim to guide Bristol into the quarter-finals with a winnable tie (
Image:
Matt McNulty/JMP/REX/Shutterstock)

3. Wilshere to continue impressive rebuild

It's been a positive few weeks for Jack Wilshere with an eye-catching display to inspire Arsenal past Red Star in the Europa League his best performance in several seasons.

The Gunners need the change-of-pace option he brings and the ability to change the angle of the attack, as he did superbly for Olivier Giroud's goal in Zagreb.

Arsene Wenger must be careful, but another game here will bring Wilshere close to peak condition.

Jack Wilshere is showing signs of returning to his best (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

4. Conte forced into blessing for Chelsea

Injuries have caused Antonio Conte to cut a worrisome look over the past few weeks. Alvaro Morata had a scare, but not before a damaging defeat at home to City to begin their downward spiral.

N'Golo Kante's absence has proven costly though, whilst Danny Drinkwater's continued absence is underrated. Cesc Fabregas has never appeared entirely comfortable in a two, while Tiemoue Bakayoko, fresh from recovering from his own injury, evidently needs time.

Step forward Ethan Ampadu, who was vigorously warming up at the weekend as the Blues snatched an unlikely win after being outplayed for large spells by Watford.

The Welsh youngster will keep it tidy in the middle, but was not afraid of looking to thread a ball to break the lines during the last round vs Nottingham Forest.

Ampadu should be amongst those prospects sprinkled in against Everton, along with the more established Andrea Christensen, Kenedy, Charley Musonda and potentially Jake Clarke-Salter and Dujon Sterling too.

A run in the Carabao Cup would be beneficial, but with the injuries and fragility to the squad, Conte should take a gamble that could benefit the Blues for years to come.

Ethan Ampadu could be involved due to injuries (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

5. City's second string superstars to instill fear in title rivals

Pep Guardiola's options are the envy of almost every manager in European football.

A brief look at City's bench each week provides an insight into what other prospective title rivals are up against.

Against Burnley it was Gabriel Jesus, Yaya Toure, Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling.

Wolves will be excited to test their level against the best side in the country as they sit atop of the Championship.

But City will rotate and maintain several match-winners in their starting line-up to ensure competition for places remains fierce.

Bernardo Silva could be involved again as he settles into English football (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)
Samu Saiz will be one to watch (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

6. Leeds to prove Premier League credentials

One of the stories of the season is the rejuvenation of Leeds, one of English football's biggest clubs and for too long a sleeping giants.

Having now laid the foundations again for a serious push for Premier League football.

Samu Saiz, who scored a double in the impressive 3-0 victory at Bristol City, has been a revelation.

Along with Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Leeds have a potent strike duo, with the Spaniard playing to the left of a front three.

Leicester look motivated under the leadership of caretaker Michael Appleton, though the Foxes look prime candidates for an upset, even at the King Power Stadium.

poll loading

Who'll win the Carabao Cup this season?

10000+ VOTES SO FAR