Manchester City booked their spot in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup courtesy of a penalty-shootout victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Jamie Vardy's 97th-minute penalty cancelled out a first-half Bernardo Silva goal as the last-eight tie headed for extra-time, which failed to produce another goal.
A penalty shootout was therefore needed to decide the outcome, and Man City won it 4-3 after Vardy and Riyad Mahrez both missed for the home side.
Read how it all unfolded in our live minute-by-minute coverage of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live commentary continues from the King Power Stadium, and it is a real cracker as Leicester City welcome Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. A spot in the final four of the competition is up for grabs tonight – can Leicester become the first English team to beat the Citizens this season? Stay tuned right here to find out!
Man City have won the last two Premier League meetings between the two teams, with the last of those occurring just last month as Pep Guardiola's side recorded a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium. Leicester did beat Man City 4-2 in this stadium when they met last December, however, and also ran out 3-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium in February 2016.
It will be the first time that the two teams have locked horns in the League Cup since the same stage of the 2013-14 competition, with Man City winning 3-1 at the King Power Stadium. Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news for this match...
TEAMS!
LEICESTER: Hamer; Amartey, Dragovic, Maguire, Fuchs; Chilwell, King, Iborra, Albrighton; Okazaki, Iheanacho
MAN CITY: Bravo; Danilo, Mangala, Adarabioyo; Zinchenko, Gundogan, Toure, Foden; Diaz, Jesus, B.Silva
Leicester boss Claude Puel has made seven changes to the team that started Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell, Vicente Iborra and Marc Albrighton keep their spots, but the likes of Andy King, Shinji Okazaki and Daniel Amartey have come into the XI. Kelechi Iheanacho has been given the chance to lead the line against his former club.
As for Man City, Pep Guardiola has made nine changes to the team that started against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Eliaquim Mangala and Ilkay Gundogan keep their spots, but the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz are all handed starting roles for the visitors. Yaya Toure, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus also made the away side's XI tonight.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this cold evening in Leicester. I shall speak about the home side a little bit later, but let's start with Man City, who will be looking to continue their incredible domestic form tonight. It is difficult to see where their first domestic loss of the campaign is going to come from in all honesty!
This Man City need to win trophies to be considered as one of the best to play in the Premier League, but there is no doubting that Guardiola has turned the Citizens into a quite brilliant football team. Saturday's 4-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League moved them onto 52 points, and they have an 11-point lead over second-placed Manchester United entering the festive break.
Sixteen wins and one draw from 17 Premier League matches this season is a staggering run of form, while Man City also breezed through their Champions League group to book their spot in the knockout round of the competition. They will face Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in their final three Premier League matches of 2017, and it looks increasingly likely that the Citizens will run away with the Premier League title this season. Their form, to be honest, is ridiculous.
Guardiola's second team did lose 2-1 at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League earlier this month, however, and they have not exactly been convincing in the EFL Cup this season – narrowly beating West Bromwich Albion before needing penalties to overcome Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last round. It should be a very interesting game of football.
The League Cup is a competition that Man City have won on four occasions – the last of which came in 2016. It is not a trophy that Guardiola would have identified at the start of the season, but there is a sense that the Spaniard wants to win everything on offer this term. Man City have actually not lost a domestic match since the semi-finals of last season's FA Cup. They were terrific against Tottenham on Saturday, and have been near perfect on their travels in all competitions this season.
Puel has made a very positive impression since taking charge of Leicester, but the Foxes will enter this EFL Cup quarter-final off the back of a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The former English champions had won their last four in the league entering the clash with Palace, but Roy Hodgson's side recorded an impressive victory to continue their pursuit up the table.
Leicester might well feel that they have bigger fish to fry as they prepare to welcome Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, but a spot in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup is within touching distance, and the supporters will certainly be up for the match under the lights this evening.
Leicester are actually three-time winners of this particular competition, with their last success occurring in 2000. They have had to win three matches to progress to this stage – overcoming Sheffield United, Liverpool and Leeds United to move within two rounds of a spot in February's final.
Man City have already travelled to the King Power Stadium this season, with the Citizens recording a 2-0 victory in the Premier League last month. The Foxes have also lost to Chelsea and Liverpool on home soil this term, and will be wary of suffering another defeat ahead of the clash with United this weekend. Right, the time for talking is almost over. Kickoff in this EFL Cup quarter-final is next!
KICKOFF! Leicester kick things off here...
... Man City are enjoying the ball in the early moments as each member of their back four has a touch. Leicester might well have to get used to spending long periods without the ball here.
Iheanacho is the player at the tip of the Leicester attack, and the Nigerian has been full of running in the opening four minutes. The hosts are struggling to get hold of the possession, however, as Man City continue to pass and probe. Foden has shown some nice touches in the early moments.
Still goalless with six minutes on the clock, but Man City have been the more progressive side. Leicester are sitting very deep as they allow the visitors to have lots and lots of the ball here.
Leicester continue to sit deep as Man City pass and probe in the home side's half of the field.
Foden is looking to join Jesus in the final third when possible, but we have not seen too much from Diaz in the opening 10 minutes. The number 55 has just had a tangle with Amartey, and the Leicester defender came out on top. No chances to report in the early moments of this game.
Finally a bit of possession for Leicester, with Albrighton breaking down the right, but Man City clear their lines without any real danger threatening to occur. It is not a great game at the moment.
SAVE! Bernardo Silva has the game's first shot on target, and Hamer is down to make a decent save. First sign of real quality as Silva dances past the challenge of Fuchs.
CHANCES! Couple of brilliant chances for the visitors, but Gundogan sees his goal-bound effort blocked by Maguire, before Silva fires his effort wide of the post!
The game has certainly livened up in the last few minutes as Leicester break forward through Okazaki, but Mangala just about manages to bundle the ball out of play for a throw-in.
You do get the feeling that Leicester need to score first tonight if they are to stand a chance of picking up a positive result. It is not easy coming from behind to beat this Man City outfit, even with the amount of changes that have been made. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock.
Remember when Man City signed Bravo because he was good on the ball? He has just smashed it out of play under pressure for the second time. Not too sure he is that good with his feet.
SAVE! Hamer has to tip a Gundogan effort over his crossbar!
Half-chance for Abarabioyo, but the Man City centre-back heads a corner wide of the post.
BOOKING! Iheanecho (Leicester) is booked for a late tackle on Bravo.
That is harsh on Iheanacho - he was only chasing down a terrible back-pass from Danilo!
Half-chance for Leicester as Maguire rises highest at the far post, but the centre-back's header was always missing the target. Better from the home side in the last five minutes or so here.
GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Man City (Silva)
Man City make the breakthrough in the 26th minute as Gundogan slides a super pass into Bernardo Silva, and the Portuguese finds the back of the net with a super finish!
Another half-chance for the away side as Foden delivers a super cross into the Leicester box, but Fuchs just about does enough to clear ahead of Silva as Man City threaten to double their lead. The home side need to be very careful that they do not concede a second at this stage of the match.
Bit of possession for Leicester in the last couple of minutes, but they are struggling to get Okazaki involved in the match. The home side need to make sure that they do not concede a second.
Just a reminder that the likes of Vardy and Mahrez are on the Leicester bench tonight, but Puel would ideally want to rest them ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with United. At 1-0, Leicester are in the match, but a second for Man City would be a different story here.
SAVE! Bravo gets down low to keep out a strike from Iheanacho!
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and Bernardo Silva's super goal is the difference between the two teams here. Leicester are doing their best to force the issue.
Pass, pass, pass from Man City as they look to find a gap in the Leicester defence. The hosts are nice and compact, however, and manage to clear their lines before breaking down the field.
Good pressure from Leicester as they force two corners in quick succession, but Man City manage to clear their lines once again. There is no question that the visitors have been the better side in the first 41 minutes of this match, but Leicester have been pretty good since the first goal.
Iheanacho misses the crossbar with a placed effort from outside the Man City box.
Not an awful lot to report in the last few moments as Leicester keep hold of the ball here.
Iborra is up highest to meet a long throw from Fuchs, but Bravo gathers under pressure. Man City then look to break through Foden, but Maguire is across to make the challenge.
HALF-TIME: Leicester 0-1 Man City
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Man City leading Leicester 1-0 courtesy of a brilliant goal from Bernardo Silva. Leicester have had their moments in the first period, with Iheanacho a threat in the final third, but it is the Citizens that lead at the interval here.
STATISTICS! Man City shaded the first-half possession with 58%, while they managed seven attempts - four of which were on target. Leicester, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their four attempts. Just the one yellow card to report - Iheanacho in the 23rd minute for a lunge on Bravo.
BENCH WATCH! Delph, Sane and Kyle Walker are among those on the Man City bench tonight, while youngsters Dele-Bashiru and Nmecha are also available. As for Leicester, head coach Puel has the likes of Vardy, Mahrez, Ulloa and Gray on a very strong bench at the King Power Stadium.
RESTART! Man City resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops at the King Power Stadium.
Dragovic gets himself in a tangle and Foden looks to be through for the away side, but the Leicester centre-back makes a fine recovering challenge. Foden would have been in on goal!
Good pressure from Leicester in the last couple of minutes as they threaten from a long throw once again, but Man City manage to clear their lines. Can the hosts force an equaliser here?
Chilwell heads over the Man City crossbar after meeting a high ball on the edge of the box.
Mahrez is out warming-up for Leicester and it will be very interesting to see if the attacker is introduced tonight. Vardy and Gray are also options off the home side's bench tonight.
Chilwell is finally back on his feet after going down following that header on the edge of the box.
Much better from Leicester at the start of the second period as they continue to step onto Man City, but the visitors have the potential to take this game away from the Foxes in a moment. Jesus could be in a bit of trouble for Man City here after challenging Hamer down low.
Hamer got clattered by Jesus, but the Leicester goalkeeper is back on his feet following a period of treatment. Jesus seemed to be pushed into the stopper so no action was taken by the referee.
LEICESTER SUBS! Double change for the home side as Vardy and Mahrez replace Iheanacho and Albrighton. That is a real statement from head coach Puel.
Still at least 30 minutes of normal time to play in this match, and you sense that there will be chances for Leicester. Man City have not had much of the ball since the half-time break here.
The Leicester fans are on their feet as Vardy closes down Bravo, but the Man City goalkeeper picks a smart pass. The visitors then race down the other end with Silva, but the Portugal international cannot pick out a teammate. Poor from Silva as he had Jesus in a good position.
BOOKING! Gundogan (Man City) is booked for simulation.
Leicester have a free kick in an advanced area as Mangala brings Okazaki to the deck...
... Mahrez sets up Maguire, who has a shot, but the centre-back's effort is blocked.
Leicester are the more aggressive of the two teams at the moment as they continue to press high up the field. Man City have not had much of the game in the second period it must be said.
Chilwell finds space in a central position before looking to feed Vardy, but the pass is too strong. There is no question that Vardy and Mahrez have given the Leicester fans a boost here.
Still no movement on the Man City bench, but we are entering the stage of the match where Guardiola will be considering changes. Leicester, meanwhile, still have one change left if they wish.
Super header from Mangala as the Man City centre-back comes from nowhere to make a fine clearance. Leicester are preparing to make their third and final change here.
LEICESTER SUB! Gray replaces Chilwell for the home side.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining, and Man City still lead courtesy of that first-half effort from Bernardo Silva. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this game though.
Not too much happening at the moment - Leicester need their fans to raise the atmosphere!
Bernardo Silva delivers a low cross into Jesus as Man City threaten a second, but the offside flag is raised. Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining in this EFL Cup quarter-final.
Mangala has just headed the back of Vardy's head and there is blood present!
Play resumes following a bit of treatment for Mangala. The centre-back had to change his shirt due to the blood that was present. Kyle Walker, meanwhile, will soon enter the field for the away side.
Vardy meets a cross from Mahrez, but his header was always wide of the post.
MAN CITY SUB! Walker replaces Mangala for the away side.
CHANCE! Mahrez delivers a dangerous cross into the Man City box, but Bravo just about manages to collect under pressure from Vardy. Mahrez is so dangerous for the home side.
Jesus thinks that he is through for the away side, but the offside flag is raised. Still a good 10 minutes of football to play in this match, and both teams are having good moments.
Leicester continue to force the issue as Man City drop into a deeper defensive position.
Half-chance for the away side as Silva delivers a low cross into Foden, but Maguire is across to make the challenge. Maguire has been excellent for Leicester once again tonight.
Foden has a problem for Man City after seemingly twisting his angle in that challenge.
MAN CITY SUB! Nmecha replaces Diaz for the away side.
Time is running out for the home side as Man City enjoy more and more of the ball. It will be very interesting to see what number the fourth official puts on the board in a couple of moments here.
Gray delivers towards Vardy, but the striker cannot make contact!
MAN CITY SUB! Foden is replaced by Dele-Bashiru for the away side.
We are into the first of EIGHT additional minutes here!
Fuchs delivers another long throw into the Man City box, but the visitors clear their lines.
Still the pressure continues from the home side as Man City stay camped inside their own half, but Leicester are just not winning the aerial duels at the moment. Maguire does eventually win one, but his header is wide of the post. Man City will take their time now.
Man City have had a lot of the ball in the last couple of minutes as time runs out. Perhaps there will be one final chance for Leicester, but they really need to get a move on now.
PENALTY LEICESTER!
Leicester have a penalty as Walker is adjudged to have brought Gray to the deck - wow!
GOAL! Leicester 1-1 Man City (Vardy, pen)
Vardy finds the bottom corner from the penalty spot!
END OF 90 MINUTES: Leicester 1-1 Man City
What a finish! Leicester force extra-time courtesy of that spot kick from Vardy. Man City are still not happy, they think that the penalty was soft, and it did look that way truth be told.
Man City had that game won entering the latter stages, but a controversial spot kick means that we will play another 30 minutes. Is this one going to penalties? Stay tuned to find out here!
RESTART! Leicester resume the action here...
... SAVE! Decent save from Hamer to keep out an effort from Jesus.
It has been a pretty open start to the extra-time period, with both teams looking for a second. You do get the feeling that there is going to be another goal in the next 30 minutes of football.
The fact that Vardy and Mahrez are relatively fresh means that Man City's defence is going to be put under a lot of pressure in this extra-time period. It has been an open start to extra-time.
BOOKING! Walker (Man City) is booked for a dive.
Gray delivers low into the Man City box as Leicester continue to force the issue, but the visitors manage to clear their lines. It is the home side on the front foot at the moment.
CHANCE! Maguire heads a Mahrez free kick wide of the post!
Man City are still neat and tidy in possession of the ball, but they are finding it difficult to create chances at the moment. Leicester, on the other hand, are a real threat in the final third.
Possession for Man City as we approach the latter stages of the first half of extra-time.
CHANCE! Vardy chases down Bravo and manages to block the goalkeeper's clearance, but it goes wide of the post! Almost an embarrassing moment for Bravo there.
BOOKING! Maguire (Leicester) is booked for a foul on Dele-Bashiru.
SAVE! Hamer keeps out a free kick from Toure.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Leicester 1-1 Man City
RESTART! Man City resume the action...
So, we are heading for penalties unless there is a goal in the next 10 minutes or so here.
There are some tired legs out there at the moment, which has meant some sloppy passes and counter-attacks. You just get the feeling that something big is going to happen in the next few minutes.
CLOSE! Zinchenko has just missed the target with a super strike!
LEICESTER SUB! Benalouane replaces Dragovic for the home side.
Both teams are counter-attacking each other at the moment, but both have been guilty of some sloppy passes in the final third. There are some very tired legs out there in the final moments.
Little over three minutes of football remaining here, and we are heading for penalties unless there is another goal. Man City currently have possession inside the home side's half of the field.
Vardy goes down inside the Man City box under a challenge from Danilo, but the referee is not interested. That looked more of a penalty than the Walker one! Still 1-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Brilliant from Maguire to set up Vardy, but the Leicester striker's effort is weak.
FULL-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Leicester 1-1 Man City
The game goes to penalties!
What a massive penalty shootout. Stay tuned to find out what happens!
GOAL! Fuchs scores for the home side!
GOAL! Gundogan scores for the away side.
GOAL! Toure makes it 2-1 City here.
GOAL! Maguire levels it at 2-2.
GOAL! Iborra sends Leicester 3-2 ahead here.
GOAL! Nmecha makes it 3-3 with a cool spot kick.
GOAL! City makes it 4-3 to the away side.
SAVE! Bravo turns Vardy's penalty wide of the post!
SAVE! Bravo keeps out Mahrez as Man City win it 4-3!
So there we have it! Man City book their spot in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup courtesy of a 4-3 penalty win over Leicester! What a night of football! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!
