League Cup quarter-finals as they happened

1. Derby's Buxton sent off for foul on Remy
2. Chelsea defender Zouma suffers head injury
3. Result: Sheff Utd 1-0 Southampton
4. Gardos sent off for Southampton late on
5. Watch Final Score by using play button

That's a wrap from tonight's League Cup action then. Join us tomorrow night for the second half of our quarter-final midweek session. See you there.

Saints on the slide?

Getty Images

That's five defeats in a row for Southampton. A few of you are saying that the side look tired. Time for some January shopping?

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Tom from Sheffield: The Blades have now made five semi finals in the major cups in 16 years, that's almost one every three years for a team that's spent a single season in the top flight.

Manager reaction

Empics

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: "Derby are a Championship side but not a typical one, they have more quality than that and they play good football with fantastic support.

"We played in a very professional way and controlled the game for most of the time. They fought to the end and for a few minutes after they scored they were able to put us in trouble.

"Cesc Fabregas is playing so well for us. What I like is as a person he is a professional. He is a World Champion, he comes here to play in the Capital One Cup and plays like that, That is the character I like."

Conor McNamara

BBC commentator

"Sheffield United absolutely deserve their win. They rolled up their sleeves and they just wanted it more. It's not like Southampton didn't turn up wanting to win but there seemed to be no determination, no dedication. Sheffield United had 11 heroes out there and it's yet another scalp for Nigel Clough.

"17-year-old Louis Reed ran the show in the middle of the park, Kieran Wallace came on as his replacement, he's only 19, and they had 18-year-old Che Adams playing as well. Clough has been rewarded on a night he put his faith in youth."

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Rian Hoskins: Excellent by Sheffield United but Southampton have missed their best opportunity to qualify for Europe. The squad looks tired.

Player reaction

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Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas: "These kinds of games are always difficult. It is probably their biggest game of the season and we have to be up for it.

"I'm enjoying playing in this team, we have a very strong squad and we want to go for everything. We can get better, 100% and we know that. Everyone is really focussed and professional but the next two or three weeks are very important.

"Time will tell how good this season can be. We have the talent, the discipline and the courage to do it, I know that."

The last four

We now know two of the last four sides in the League Cup - here's a reminder.

Chelsea are through after beating Derby.

Sheffield United are through after beating Southampton.

Tottenham v Newcastle (19:45 GMT on Wednesday)

Bournemouth v Liverpool (19:45 GMT on Wednesday)

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Conor McNamara

BBC commentator

PA

"Nigel Clough has been in charge of 18 cup games as Sheffield United manager. He's only lost two of them. Dad would be proud."

Back to the Championship slog for Derby then, who are well in the mix for a promotion back to the top flight. Is Steve McClaren on the verge of becoming a Premier League manager once more?

FULL-TIME

Chelsea join the Blades in the last four. A comfortable enough win for Chelsea in the end but the game was slightly marred by that red card for Jake Buxton. Chelsea have injuries to Didier Drogba and Kurt Zouma to worry about too.

A fantastic win for Sheffield United, who will learn their semi-final opponents tomorrow night.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

AFP

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "Sheffield United were brilliant. I could have given 11 man of the matches tonight but Marc McNulty for me was brilliant. Sheffield United had desire, commitment and work rate. They have shown what they can do against Premier League teams over the last two seasons and that is if you do not turn up here, you get beaten."

FULL-TIME

All over and Sheffield United are into the League Cup semi-finals! Another Premier League scalp for Nigel Clough.

INJURY TIME

THREE MINUTES added on. Chelsea are going through but with injuries to Kurt Zouma and Didier Drogba.

Chelsea cruising now, with just three minutes to go.

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Ben Goodwin: Absolutely no way Remy was going to get to that, Derby have just been completely robbed. Chelsea getting the decision as always.

RED CARD FOR SOUTHAMPTON

Oh dear! This does not look like it will be Southampton's night as they are reduced to 10 men, frustration bubbles over, Florin Gardos fouls Marc McNulty and is shown a red card.

Four minutes of injury time.

SUBSTITUTION

The iPro crowd are not happy with the way this game has gone. It was a soft red card which swung the momentum back the way of Chelsea.

Ramires replaces the excellent Eden Hazard, while Derby throw on Leon Best. Seven minutes left.

GOAL

Getty Images

Clinical stuff from Chelsea as they capitalise on the extra man. Cesc Fabregas picks out Loic Remy on the right of the box, his shot is parried out by Lee Grant and Andre Schurrle reacts first to slam into the net from eight yards out. Game over, Chelsea into the last four.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live at the iPro Stadium

The former Rams midfielder is not convinced by the red card one bit...

"You tell me, when's the clear goal-scoring opportunity there? Jake Buxton was in front of Loic Remy and when Remy got in front of him the keeper was there."

Andre Schurrle bends the free-kick over the top. That red card could well end the chance of a Derby comeback. There were no appeals from the Chelsea players.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "Let's just hope Sheffield United will not be camped out on the end of the box because if you do you would think Southampton would carve out the one opportunity they need and it would be heartbreaking for Sheffield United."

RED CARD

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Well I never! It's centre-half Jake Buxton who is dismissed! He does step across Loic Remy but that's a pretty standard bit of defending to be honest. Soft? Just a bit.

Chelsea on the counter, Eden Hazard slides in a pass for Loic Remy to chase. Lee Grant comes out to mop up, but did he handle outside the area? The linesman has his flag up...

AFP

After a spell of Sheffield United pressure, Southampton are pushing now as the game enters the final 10 minutes but are still lacking in the final third. Mark Howard saved well from Sadio Mane's effort, but has otherwise had little to do. Time is running out for the Saints...

SUBSTITUTION

Derby sub Jordon Ibe beats two men with a cracking run before Cyrus Christie hammers a terrible cross out of play. Derby then make another change as Will Hughes is replaced by Jeff Hendrick. He has an eye for a goal from midfield too.

What a cracking finish from Craig Bryson, he scored a belter at Watford the other week as I recall and that is another class effort. Branislav Ivanovic was guilty of giving the ball away in the build-up. Sloppy.

GOAL

AFP

There it is! Derby do give us an entertaining finish! Lovely goal too at the end of a prolonged spell of possession. Johnny Russell sets the ball back to Craig Bryson, edge of the box, he doesn't thrash at it and side-foots the curler in off the far post. Petr Cech had no chance.

We have a game on!

Steve McClaren continues with his touchline coaching. An odd night for him to assess I guess- they haven't played badly, far from it, but at the same time Chelsea have been untroubled.

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One Chelsea fringe player shines...

Rupinder Singh says: That was quite unexpected from Filipe Luis! Wonderful goal!

While another one... not so much...

Blues fan @Chelsea__MKN says: Andre Schurrle has just cemented his place on the bench with that performance. Get him off Jose!

Into the last 25 minutes. Derby need three goals and haven't looked like getting one. They've simply come up against a far stronger side tonight. Can they force one though and set up an exciting finale?

SUBSTITUTION

That is indeed that for Didier Drogba - he's off and Loic Remy is on for the final half hour.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "It was a great strike from Bobby Harris, Fraser Forster did well to smother it initially but a great reaction from the Sheffield United players, someone was going to get to it and it is no more than they have deserved. It was a great free-kick too. You are not going to get it up and down, only two players can do that, Ronaldo and Messi, I know Bobby well from our time at Blackpool and he decides to just go for it, hard and low."

Another injury concern for Chelsea? Didier Drogba loses his footing as he turns and instantly clutches at his ankle. He makes the 'substitution' sign. That could be that.

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Andy (who we're assuming has seen more of him than Robbie Savage has) says: Will Hughes will be picked up by a top Premier League side very soon. If not January, then next summer, regardless of Derby County's promotion dreams.

GOAL

AFP

Upset o'clock? The home side take the lead and it is no less than they deserve, but it is a tad cruel on Fraser Forster. He pulled off a string of fine saves but fumbles Bob Harris's free-kick and Marc McNulty is there to get the ball over the line. Bramall Lane is in full voice!

SUBSTITUTION

I didn't know Filipe Luis had that in his locker to be honest. Great strike.

Derby respond by bringing on on-loan Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe for Simon Dawkins. Derby have just over 30 minutes to find a response.

GOAL

AFP

Special! Filipe Luis has his first goal for Chelsea and it's a typically Brazilian free-kick! The left-back takes aim from 25 yards, bends it effortlessly over the ball and soaring into the top corner. Wonderful hit, and Chelsea are heading into the semi-finals.

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Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live at the iPro Stadium

On Derby and England Under-21 midfielder Will Hughes...

"I don't remember much of him, he's only 19 now and I left Derby three and a bit years ago. I remember speaking to (former Rams boss) Nigel Clough, who rates him very, very highly. He was all the rage at one point, valued at £10m, but I've not seen him get to that next level yet."

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "That is a world-class save. I said in the first half I like to see free-kicks in-swung so that if people miss it it has a chance of going in. That is what happens but Forster's reaction is stunning, he has kept Southampton in the game."

GREAT SAVE!

PA

Brilliant, brilliant save by Fraser Forster keeps the scores level. Jamie Murphy's inswinging cross evades everyone in the box and looks to be creeping into the far corner but Forster reacts superbly to deny the effort. Xavi loves him, and it is easy to see why.

GREAT SAVE!

Derby's best chance! Chelsea just switch off and John Terry wit the mistake, he sells himself out at left-back and Johnny Russell gets away from him. Russell scampers away and picks out Will Hughes arriving at pace.

Hughes gives it plenty but Petr Cech was right behind it and pushes it clear easily enough. Lovely play from Russell though and that has reinvigorated the 30,000 or so in the stands.

In second gear, conserving fuel. That's Chelsea. Eden Hazard threatens to lift the tempo momentarily but for once his touch is poor.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live at the iPro Stadium

"Chelsea look like they're in second gear at the moment. They've got the goal and they're cruising - epitomised by Nemanja Matic in the middle. They look like they can step it up when they want to."

Southampton are out in a more determined mood in this half and they have half a chance as Shane Long flicks a ball on and James Ward-Prowse directs a header on goal, but there is not enough power to worry Mark Howard in the Sheffield United goal.

Chelsea as comfortable as your dad in his favourite chair with a brew on and a good paper. Come and get the ball off us if you can.

KICK-OFF

There are reports that Kurt Zouma lost a tooth in that collision with Petr Cech. Some dental work required for the big defender.

Derby get us back under way at the iPro.

KICK-OFF

AP

Back under way at Bramall Lane. No goals in the first half but plenty of entertainment, what will the next 45 minutes have for us?

Extra time?

A reminder that tonight's League Cup quarter-finals could go to extra time and penalties.

Richard Keogh's mistake led to Chelsea's opener but he was the victim of a style of play. If Keogh had slammed the ball downfield, I'm sure his manager and supporters would not be too happy.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live at the iPro Stadium

"They're doing a great job these stretcher bearers. Yes, they could have gone a bit quicker but it's important they don't slip, a few players have tonight, and they get there."

FA Cup latest

Six second-round replays are taking place in the FA Cup tonight - with some juicy prizes on offer.

None more so than at Huish Park where the winners between Yeovil and Accrington will tee up a tantalising home tie against Manchester United. Still goalless there after a tense first half.

Elsewhere, Tranmere and Oxford are drawing 1-1 as they battle for the right to face Swansea.

Rochdale and Barnsley are also ahead in their matches and are 45 minutes away from clinching ties against Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough respectively.

Want some FA Cup action? Here's some FA Cup action.

BBC

We will bring you any news on Kurt Zouma as and when we hear it. Back to matters on the pitch - how can Derby respond in the second half. They simply haven't looked capable of getting at Chelsea so far.

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A somewhat different viewpoint...

Porl Thomas says: With the amount of players feigning injury these days is it any wonder the Derby stewards were slow to react?

HALF-TIME

INJURY TIME

There will be four minutes added on at the iPro after that injury for Kurt Zouma. Branislav Ivanovic hasn't played at centre-half for a while but he is a more than capable deputy.

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Arsenal fan Matt Fallon says: Disgraceful by the paramedics walking slowly towards the injured Zouma. Fair play to those Chelsea players who dragged them.

SUBSTITUTION

Kurt Zouma is replaced by Branislav Ivanovic.

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Kurt Zouma's name is chanted as he leaves the field on a stretcher. A sporting round of applause from all four stands. Let's hope the big defender will be OK.

HALF-TIME

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Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "Sheffield United had some great chances and will probably be disappointed not to be 1-0 up at the break but you can't be too disappointed because Southampton are a Premier League side and they have shown that if you are sleeping, they will punish you and have had a couple of chances themselves."

CLOSE!

Finally Southampton have arrived! A great chance as Shane Long does superbly to get away from Chris Basham, pulls the ball back for Sadio Mane but he can't get his shot on target from a very promising position under attention from Bob Harris. Best chance of the half though.

PA

Steve McClaren comes down from his seat in the stands and shares a friendly looking chat with Jose Mourinho. Didier Drogba is crouched down with the medical staff and Kurt Zouma, a lot of concern down there. This will be a lengthy stoppage as they treat the big defender.

Drogba trots over to the sidelines to update his manager.

YELLOW CARD

AFP

Shane Long leads a swift Southampton counter after a Sheffield United attack breaks down and Bob Harris is taking no chances, going in with a tackle but ends up fouling the Southampton striker and is shown a yellow card.

Kurt Zouma looks a class act every time I've seen him. He is currently having medical treatment though, he looks sparked out as Petr Cech caught him on the follow through. A stretcher is called for.

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It's early days yet, but...

Chelsea supporter Ari Bughoo says: Kurt Zouma reminds me of a young Marcel Desailly.

AFP

Robbie Savage laying down the law there! Derby continue to see plenty of the ball but they have nothing to hurt Chelsea with. Imagine taking Wilfried Bony out of the Swansea team and you'd get an idea. Lots of nice passing, lots of admirable movement - but they haven't laid a glove on Chelsea.

Petr Cech does then lay a glove on Kurt Zouma, flattening him as he punches clear a corner. Zouma is out cold.

Southampton

Southampton: 4,000 Southampton fans at Bramall Lane for tonight's game.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live at the iPro Stadium

"Derby are not good enough to play out from the back against this opposition. Not once have they got up the park and had them on the turn, Chelsea press high because they know they can nick the ball off them.

"What would I say to the Derby players? I'd be hammering them: Defend, defenders! Let's get up the park and let's get in their faces.

"This is a cup tie against the Premier League leaders, there's 30,000 fans here and they haven't touched them yet - get up the park!"

PA

The Chelsea fans are in full voice, reminding anyone listening that they are indeed top of the league. A good response from the home crowd though, whose side have played fine. They've just been punished for the one mistake they have made and are now in the unenviable position of needing to score twice against this mean Chelsea side.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "I am pretty sure Ronald Koeman will be frustrated. I would want to see more from my top players, I would want Schneiderlin on the ball, Wanyama on the ball, Long looks like a lonely figure at times and Southampton need to do more here."

YELLOW CARD

Southampton have two players booked in as many minutes as Nathaniel Clyne is shown a yellow for fouling Bob Harris as he tried to break into the area, before Sadio Mane is cautioned for a foul on Jamie Murphy. A bit of frustration setting in perhaps?

Excellent defending this time from Richard Keogh, timing his block to perfection to prevent Didier Drogba from sweeping Chelsea into a two-goal lead. Andre Schurrle's cross was pinpoint in its perfection, Drogba met the ball on the bounce but Keogh hurled himself in the way.

Cesc Fabregas is a glorious player to watch at times. After popping up just off Didier Drogba he retreats back into the 'quarterback' role and pings it 40 yards into the run of Drogba, over the top. The veteran's first touch is assured but a combination of Richard Keogh and Jake Buxton smother his shot and clear their lines.

Sheffield United win a free-kick in a promising position, pretty central and within shooting distance. Florent Cuvelier fancies it but floats the set-piece wide of Fraser Forster's goal. Moments later, Mark Howard fumbles a free-kick at the other end of the pitch, a melee in the area ensues and Sadio Mane manages to get a shot off, but can't put it on target.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live at the iPro Stadium

"Don't try and play out from the back against opposition such as Chelsea. Richard Keogh is captain of his team, he plays for his country. He did it in last season's play off final as well, giving the ball to Bobby Zamora - get rid of it man!"

Derby just need to ride out the next few minutes. Chelsea's tails are up, they ping the ball around for fun as their fans enjoy themselves. Filipe Luis takes the opportunity to thrash in a left-footed shot which tests Lee Grant.

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Chelsea fan Ian in Whitley Bay: Gutted I can't be in Derby tonight (never thought I'd say those words!) been to our last two quarter final matches away to Sunderland and away to Leeds. Leeds away is a memory I will treasure: Rafa getting stick from all four sides of Elland Road and singing "5-1, and even Torres scores!" How we laughed.

GOAL

Reuters

So much composure! Chelsea lead through one of their star names, as Eden Hazard strokes the Premier League leaders ahead. It comes as Rams defender Richard Keogh makes a mistake, pressed on the edge of his box into giving the ball away, Cesc Fabregas feasts on the loose ball and instantly plays it into Hazard's run. Many players would shoot first time but he knows he can cut across Jake Buxton, he still then waits for Buxton to commit himself before drilling in a low finish. Classy stuff.

Reuters

Steve McClaren mentioned before the game the importance of getting through the opening 20 minutes unscathed, and his side have done that. They play some picturebook football at times but where are the goals coming from? John Terry and powerhouse Kurt Zouma look unflustered at the back for the Blues.

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Shohan Sen in Kent: I think Chelsea's team selection has some good respect for their Championship opponents with regular players still getting a run out! But it also makes for a more one-sided contest. Chelsea to win 3-0.

Southampton need some excitement for their supporters after their recent run of results; what better way to do it than get to a cup semi final? Southampton to win 2-0

Mark in Berkshire: Nothing rare in an error from Fraser Forster, he has been at fault for many of the goals that Saints have given away since the last international break.

PA

Nemanja Matic is back with us. Chelsea's only defeat of the season - at Newcastle - came when the enforcer was suspended. He has been a brilliant (re)signing.

Still a fairly even game though, the passionate home crowd encouraging their lads on.

Nemanja Matic turns inside his man and takes a crack on his knee. The midfielder is down in pain, that will hurt, don't worry about that. Knee-to-knee contact. After a dash of the magic sponge he limps gingerly off. A big player to lose. Let's see how he gets on.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Getty Images

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "Sheffield United have to make sure they do it right because that one mis-timed tackle, and with the quality of Shane Long in attack, then one mistake and he will be through on goal."

Sheffield United have made a confident start against Southampton - they know the Premier League side are out of form at the moment and they are doing their best to unsettle them, snapping at a Saints player as soon as they receive the ball and, at the moment, it is working. There is not much fluidity to Southampton's play, but it is early days.

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More best goal and celebration suggestions at opposite ends of the spectrum: From Brazil 2014 to the Conference (and a bit more love for everyone's favourite OAP, Samuel Eto'o)...

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Pablo: Goal of the year has to be Giuseppe Sole versus Halifax in the Conference.

Aidan Mifsud: Favourite goal celebration? Easy. The whole Colombian team after every goal scored at the World Cup. Beat that.

Ryan Woodward: Favourite goal: James Rodriguez's stunner against Uruguay at the World Cup.

Celebration: Eto'o's old man impersonation.

Getty Images

Didier Drogba has still got it, powering away from the clutches of Richard Keogh and flicking a shot into the side-netting.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips: "When Campbell-Ryce puts the ball in, Fraser Forster decided to come and ran into a bunch of bodies, the referee made the right call in letting play carry on and Sheffield United are unlucky they are not 1-0 up."

Derby's first move of the night is very easy on the eye indeed. Nineteen-year-old Will Hughes is the conductor of the white orchestra, popping short passes into feet and eventually freeing left-back Craig Forsyth. He has time, he has space, he puts his cross into the stands. Poor.

CLOSE!

Sheffield United love a good cup upset and they are unlucky not to be ahead thanks to a rare error by Saints keeper Fraser Forster. Jamal Campbell-Ryce sends a free-kick into the middle of a crowded area, Forster races out but hits a wall of players and flaps at the ball, which bounces on the top of the crossbar. Good start for the hosts, nervy one for the visitors.

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Rams midfielder Robbie Savage on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Derby have to be at their absolute best tonight: No mistakes; switch on for set pieces; try and keep the ball in Chelsea's half."

YELLOW CARD

Blatant. Absolutely blatant from Andre Schurrle as Derby break away from the corner, Johnny Russell knocks it clear and gives chase and the German steps across and hacks him down. A third-minute booking. Quite right too.

Steve McClaren takes his seat high up in the stands, clutching a massive leather-bound folder of notes. Even bigger than Louis van Gaal's folder that one. His side have barely had a touch in the opening few minutes as Didier Drogba wins a corner.

KICK-OFF

The cold night air has not kept people away from Bramall Lane tonight, already a cracking atmosphere as the game gets under way.

KICK-OFF

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Jose Mourinho snuggles his face into a scarf as the Rams go into a huddle. Not a free seat in the house. Cesc Fabregas kicks us off.

The iPro Stadium is rocking. Great fans at the ground formerly known as Pride Park, as ever. Here we go...

The tricky double apostrophe conundrum of Eto'o's cropping up there. Well negotiated...

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Keep your best goals and celebrations coming...

Ryan Heyworth: Goal of the year is a no-contest. Joe Garner (for Preston versus Rotherham in last season's League One play-offs).

Dunks Maguire: Best goal of 2014 has to be Craig Reid's in the 94th minute to ensure Motherwell finished second in final game of the season!

Sam Payne: Jack Wilshere's Arsenal team goal (versus Norwich) is the best I've ever seen!

Best celebration? Samuel Eto'o's old man impersonation (versus Tottenham).

Meanwhile, Nic Billot concurs on the celebration:

Favourite goal of 2014: Tim Cahill's volley versus the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Favourite celebration of 2014: Samuel Eto'o's 'old man'.

Do you agree with any of those?

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: "Don't forget that this game can put us into the semi-final. That's' the motivation for us. We have to beat three opponents to win the trophy so we are close - but not too close."

Almost time for kick-off then around the grounds. A reminder that we could be in for the long-haul - extra time and penalties are an option this evening...

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "I think this is a great time for Sheffield United to be playing Southampton, they have had a bit of sticky form recently but Ronald Koeman is taking this competition very seriously and you can see that from the side he has put out.

"However, Nigel Clough's side have shown they can perform when it matters and they can certainly get a result tonight."

Derby boss Steve McClaren: "We always planned to bring Will Hughes back in tonight, it's a big test for him against a top-class Chelsea midfield. For where we want to be, this will be the norm. So deal with it!

"Work, fight, and put the performance in."

It's a sign of the times that Derby have an on-loan Real Madrid midfielder in their side tonight. Is Omar Mascarell the new Zidane? Or the new Antonio Nunez?

We are 15 minutes away from kick-off at Bramall Lane. Can the League One side pull off an upset?

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Rian Hoskins: Very strong Chelsea line-up. I'm surprised Ramires, Remy and Salah don't start but Mourinho clearly wants to win the Capital One Cup.

Jose Mourinho's first Stamford Bridge silverware was the 2004-05 League Cup. Three months later he delivered the Premier League title; is lightning set to strike twice in his second spell at the club?

Chelsea's selection looks very strong this evening as Jose Mourinho goes for more silverware. Nobody ever retired wishing they'd won fewer medals do they?

McClaren: Jose has humility

BBC Radio 5 live

More from McClaren on Mourinho: "Great coaches have great humility and respect for everything.

"I was over in the Netherlands at a dinner and had not seen him for a while. He came over and gave a big hug. He knew what we were doing out there.

"All top managers have two games. The main game is on the field preparing the team, making sure you get a performance and winning trophies. He does that very well.

"The other game is the media. How he handles that and how he gets the right messages over to his team.

"There are two games and he's very good at them both."

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Southampton FC: Graziano Pelle and Dušan Tadić miss out tonight, but both are at Bramall Lane to support their teammates.

Soputhampton FC

Pelle and Tadic have been key to the Saints' strong start this season. How will their absence impact them at Bramall Lane? The League One Blades have lost only two of their 17 cup matches under Nigel Clough - including wins over Premier League sides Aston Villa, Fulham (both in last season's FA Cup) and West Ham United.

McClaren: A test against the best

BBC Radio 5 live

Derby manager Steve McClaren: "I will be interested just to see how our individual players cope with their strong midfield players and how Chris Martin copes with John Terry.

"There are a lot of individual battles going on and we will be looking and saying 'how many do we win?'

"This is a great bunch to work with. Their attitude is fantastic and we want to do ourselves justice and get a reaction after Saturday and put a performance in for what will be a very good crowd."

League Cup pedigree

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With eight teams still in the running, let's have a look at the runners and riders and their League Cup form.

Liverpool have won the competition on eight occasions - more than anybody else - while Chelsea and Spurs both have four wins.

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Southampton and Newcastle both have one losing final to their names, while Derby and Sheffield United's best runs have seen them reach the semi-finals.

Bournemouth's best League Cup run is now. Right now.

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A strong Chelsea starting line-up tonight, though Frenchman Kurt Zouma gets a rare start at the iPro stadium. The defender signed for the Blues in January but only linked up with his new team-mates in the summer after spending the remainder of the campaign with Saint-Etienne...

Thomas Buckley says: Great to see Zouma getting another start, he has looked really solid in his past run outs in the Capital One Cup.

How to follow

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC

On 5 live right now, Mark Pougatch presents sports news and build-up to tonight's Capital One Cup action before full match commentary on Derby against Chelsea with John Murray and Robbie Savage, plus updates from Sheffield United v Southampton.

If you want full commentary on Sheffield United v Southampton, that is available on 5 live sports extra. Both commentaries are available at the top of this very page by clicking on the Live Coverage tab.

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The year 2015 and all it promises looms on the horizon. Before you know it Brentford will be in the Premier League and we'll be hoverboarding to work.

But before we depart these shores let's have a recap over the best moments of 2014.

We want to hear your:

Favourite goal of 2014 (any competition); and your

Favourite celebration of 2014 (any competition)

Here's my favourite goal to get you going. Niche.

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Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

FA Cup action

Plenty to play for tonight on both cup fronts.

For Yeovil and Accrington, a prize home FA Cup third-round draw against Manchester United will be the reward for winning tonight.

That is one of six FA Cup replays taking part tonight. You won't miss a beat with our separate live text on that one, right here.

Clough's Cup Classics

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Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Keep your predictions coming...

Chelsea fan Fahad: That Chelsea team looks unreal! I really can't see how Derby can get anything out of this game

Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough believes home advantage will be "massive" in tonight's quarter-final against Southampton.

The League One outfit reached last season's FA Cup semi-finals after home wins over Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Charlton.

Clough told BBC Radio Sheffield: "If we have any chance at all then home advantage will be a big factor.

"The atmosphere is special and it will play a massive part.

"Reverse the fixture and you're thinking you've got no chance. But here, despite the opposition, we feel like we have a chance."

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Dressed for the occasion:

The Derby players are suited and booted...

Derby County FC

Meanwhile, Chelsea take a more relaxed approach to their Capital One Cup quarter final...

Derby County FC

Team news

Sheffield United make five changes for the visit of Premier League Southampton as Chris Basham, Marc McNulty, Louis Reed, Florent Cuvelier and Jamal Campbell-Ryce all come in.

Morgan Schneiderlin makes his first appearance this month for Southampton in one of five changes for the Premier League side.

The midfielder has recovered from a groin injury to take his place in the side, while James Ward-Prowse starts after returning from a two-month absence with an ankle problem against Burnley at the weekend. Matt Targett, Florin Gardos and Shane Long also start.

Sheff Utd XI: Howard, Harris, Basham, Flyn, Dotyle, Murphy, McNulty, McEveley, Campbell-Ryce, Reed, Cuvelier

Southampton XI: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Gardos, Targett, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Ward-Prowse, Bertrand, Mane, Long

FINAL SCORE

BBC Final Score

Tune in at the top of the page for a special midweek Final Score, only online. Keep in touch with all of the night's football, reaction and highlights.

We meet again

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Derby haven't been in the top flight since 2008 but actually played Chelsea at home just 11 months ago.

A rare goal from John Mikel Obi helped Jose Mourinho's side to a comfortable enough 2-0 FA Cup win. I'm sure the Blues would settle for a repeat performance tonight.

Another side to Jose

BBC Radio 5 live

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Derby manager Steve McClaren on Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho: "Sir Alex has retired so he's probably the best around at the present moment. Carlo Ancelotti would argue with that and there are a lot of good managers out there throughout the world. He's got to be up there in the top three.

"I've come across him many times and we've had our glasses of wine. He's excellent. It's like Sir Alex - what you see through the TV and the media is not the real person.

"What we see behind the scenes are very warm friendly people who just want to build a team and win football games."

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What are your predictions for tonight's League Cup matches?

Freddy smells an upset: Derby to win 2-1 tonight. I think Chelsea will underestimate them and the Rams have been great this season.

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Tonight's other League Cup quarter-final sees League One Sheffield United take on Southampton in the battle of the red-and-white stripes.

The Blades went all the way to the FA Cup semi-finals last year and are in good cup form again. With Southampton losing their last four games, can Nigel Clough's side capitalise?

Southampton

Southampton on Twitter: Southampton will wear their navy away strip this evening against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup.

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Tonight's main game sees Premier League leaders Chelsea face a potential banana skin at Championship high-fliers Derby.

Jose Mourinho's side have lost just once in all competitions this season, but the Rams will provide a tough test. Steve McClaren's men were top of the second division until a 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough at the weekend and remain one of the favourites to win promotion back to the top flight.

Can they cause a Cupset this evening?

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The Premier League sides are here...

Chelsea FC on Twitter We've arrived at the iPro Stadium, home of Derby County. It's a cold and crisp evening in the East Midlands.

Chelsea FC

Southampton FC on Twitter: The scene is set for tonight's Capital One Cup tie at Bramall Lane.

Southampton FC

Team News

Chelsea make five changes but still field a very strong side. Very strong indeed. Cesc Fabregas is among those returning, while Didier Drogba starts up front.

Derby make two changes with the highly-rated Will Hughes back in the fold.

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Terry (c), Filipe Luis; Mikel, Matic; Schurrle, Fabregas, Hazard; Drogba

Derby: Grant, Christie, Buxton, Keogh (c), Forsyth, Hughes, Mascarell, Bryson, Russell, Martin, Dawkins

Who's in it to win it?

Manchester City won the Capital One Cup last season in a cracking final against Sunderland.

But we will have a new winner this season after City crashed out against Newcastle in the last round - almost two months ago. To jog your memories, here are the four quarter-finals:

Derby v Chelsea (19:45 GMT)

Sheffield United v Southampton (19:45 GMT)

Tottenham v Newcastle (19:45 GMT on Wednesday)

Bournemouth v Liverpool (19:45 GMT on Wednesday)

And then there were eight...

AP

Under the radar. Off camera. Out of the spotlight.

The Capital One Cup may not have registered highly in the footballing world's collective conscience so far this season, but all of a sudden we have arrived at the business end of the competition.

The eight sides still standing are now just three games away from Wembley. It's all about to get very serious.

PA

One side from League One, two from the Championship and five Premier League clubs remain. Who will be the new champions in March?