The much-maligned Carabao Cup is back. Often used by managers of top Premier League clubs as an example of why the schedule is too intense, the third round of the competition will be shoe-horned into the schedule this week.
The secondary domestic cup competition in English football may have much less gravitas than other competitions, but it is never short on drama and provides coaches with the chance to assess young talents and fringe players.
This was demonstrated by last year's pulsating final between Liverpool and Chelsea, which was only ended when Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga blazed the 22nd penalty of a previously faultless shootout over the bar.