For clubs like Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, the League Cup represents a genuine chance of winning some silverware.
However, as has been the case on numerous occasions down the years, with Premier League survival and the financial rewards that it provides the be all and end all, managers tend to rest their better players for these ties.
Both of these sides, who meet in the third round of the competition at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, are expected to be involved in the battle against relegation this term, which could be reflected in the starting lineups on show in South London.
Following a hard-fought 3-2 win over Everton on Sunday, Neil Warnock may well look to freshen up his Palace side. That could mean that the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Dwight Gayle will earn recalls, with Kevin Doyle, Adrian Mariappa and Ezekiel Fryers also in contention to feature.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who is somewhat surprisingly still in charge, is likely to bring Rob Elliot, Sammy Ameobi and Vurnon Anita into the side.
These two teams met in the Premier League at St James' Park late last month when a stoppage-time goal from Zaha secured a 3-3 draw for visiting Palace. Yet, the hosts last beat Newcastle in front of their own supporters back in 1984.
Recent form
Palace: LLWDDW
Newcastle: LDWDLD
Possible starting lineups
Palace: Hennessey; Mariappa, Fryers, Dann, Ward; McArthur, Ledley, Guedioura, Zaha; Doyle, Gayle
Newcastle: Elliot; Haidara, Taylor, Coloccini, Dummett; Perez, Colback, Sissoko, Gouffran; Ameobi, Riviere
Sports Mole says: 2-1
Liam Apicella
