This is the moment of truth for Cup

THERE have been questions asked about the worth of the Carabao Cup this season and its scheduling. Amid a bumper programme of domestic and European fixtures, there are arguments about whether it is really needed.

Managers have made wholesale changes to rest their main men ahead of league games at the weekend and fans have felt shortchanged.

Perhaps this week’s fourth round ties will shed further light on the situation. Now that we are down to the last 16, you would think that clubs would start to take the competition more seriously. Wembley is getting closer.

Of the 16 teams left, 11 are from the Premier League and five from the Championship. Our five EFL representatives face some tough tests on Tuesday night.

Championship leaders Wolves go to their Premier League counterparts Manchester City – a meeting of two teams in outstanding form.

Norwich, who face arch-rivals Ipswich this afternoon, go to the Emirates to face Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. With two games in such a short space of time, it would be no great surprise if Canaries boss Daniel Farke rang the changes for the cup-tie.

Leeds travel to Leicester to face a Foxes side with former Oxford boss Michael Appleton in temporary charge. That will not be easy.

Perhaps the best bets to keep EFL representation alive in the quarter-finals are Bristol City and Middlesbrough. Lee Johnson’s City have already accounted for Watford and Stoke, and will fancy their chances against Premier League basement dwellers Crystal Palace at Ashton Gate. The Robins are the only EFL side at home in the fourth round.

Garry Monk’s Boro have failed to hit the heights recently, but should have a decent shout at the top flight’s second-bottom Bournemouth.

Let’s hope our clubs put out strong teams, perform well and give their loyal fans a decent run for their money. The competition needs it.