Ninety-two clubs entered the League Cup - now only eight remain following last night's quarter-final draw.
The last 16 proved to be a round of shocks as both Manchester United and Arsenal were dumped out by Championship opposition in Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, while holders Chelsea were knocked out on penalties by Stoke City.
It means that Manchester City - the 2014 winners - are now the big favourites to go all the way again, although Liverpool may have something to say about that.
Everton and Southampton will also harbour hopes of reaching Wembley, while second-tier Hull City are celebrating the fact that they have reached the last eight of the competition for the first time in the club's history.
Here, Sports Mole has picked out the biggest talking points that have arisen from the four ties, which will be played in early December.
1. Middlesbrough vs. Everton
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Any Boro supporters that believe in omens will no doubt recall the events of 12 years ago when their side played host to Everton at the Riverside Stadium in the fourth round. After a goalless 120 minutes on Teeside, the home team won through 5-4 on penalties after Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved Leon Osman's effort. Not only did it send Steve McClaren's men through to the quarter-finals, they went all the way to lift the trophy for the only time in the club's history.
As for Everton, believe it or not, they have never won the League Cup. Consider some of the sides that they have over the years, particularly under the late Howard Kendall's management in the 1980s, that is a strange fact. They have reached the final twice, only to lose to Aston Villa in 1977 and then neighbours Liverpool seven years later. With a number of the pre-tournament favourites gone and with Championship opposition up next, you could fully understand if the Toffees felt that it was their season to end the drought.
2. Southampton vs. Liverpool
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No side has won the League Cup on more occasions than Liverpool, who have got their hands on the first trophy of the season eight times. While the remit for new boss Jurgen Klopp will have been to do all that he can to get the team back into the top four of the Premier League, a trophy so early into his tenure will do the German no harm whatsoever. After all, the League Cup was the first trophy that Jose Mourinho won after he had taken charge of Chelsea in 2004.
Meanwhile, the Saints, who were finalists for the one and only time in 1979, do not have the best of records against the Merseysiders of late. They have not won any of the last four meetings, although they did end a three-game losing streak at the weekend thanks to Sadio Mane's late equaliser. Also, these sides have faced each other six times in the League Cup, with the Reds leading the head-to-head record 3-2, with one draw.
3. Stoke City vs. Sheffield Wednesday
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Are Wednesday on their way back? It has been a torrid few years for supporters of the Owls, who have been out of the Premier League for 15 years. Yet, over 35,000 turned up at Hillsborough to see the men in blue and white stripes humiliate their glamorous visitors from North London. If they can get past Stoke in the quarter-finals, a two-legged semi-final is bound to ramp up the feel-good factor even more.
In the Stoke dugout will be manager Mark Hughes, someone who knows how to win the League Cup from his playing days. The Welshman first claimed a medal in 1992 in Man United colours, while his next one came five years later as his Chelsea side got the better of Middlesbrough. Then, in 2002 and in his late 30s, Hughes played in central midfield as Blackburn Rovers defeated Tottenham Hotspur. The 51-year-old will be hoping that he can inspire his Stoke side to similar success.
4. Manchester City vs. Hull City
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With his side trailing 4-0 after 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium in 2008, instead of heading back to the dressing room, Hull manager Phil Brown marched his players over to where the away supporters were sitting before unleashing a verbal rollicking. The following season, the colourful Jimmy Bullard, who had recently joined the Tigers, famously mimicked that moment when he drew Hull level against the Citizens from the penalty spot. So much has changed at both clubs since then, but you can expect to see footage of both incidents over and over again before this tie.
Talking of managers, this is a competition that will no doubt have fond memories for Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean was under pressure to deliver trophies as soon as he arrived in England in 2013, something that he did almost immediately in the form of the League Cup when his side came from behind to beat Sunderland. It was part of a double trophy haul along with the Premier League title - something that would be deemed a success if he can match this time around.
Liam Apicella
