Blackburn and Everton look to take a step closer to Wembley when they meet in the Carling Cup third round.
Rovers look to repeat their League Cup heroics of 2002
Blackburn and Everton look to take a step closer to Wembley when they meet in the Carling Cup third round.
Both sides have signalled their intention to take the competition seriously, keen to get their hands on some silverware.
Rovers took the trophy back in 2002, while Everton are yet to taste League Cup glory.
The Toffees have failed to claim a title of any sort since a 1995 FA Cup success and are desperate to end that drought.
David Moyes' men need to tighten up at the back, though, if they are to mount a serious bid for the crown, having conceded 13 goals in six matches in all competitions.
Rovers came out on top when the two sides met at Goodison Park on the opening day of the season, but have struggled for form since then.
Reid blow
Paul Ince's task has hardly been helped by a mounting injury list and the Rovers boss has seen Steven Reid become the latest player to join those in the treatment room.
The Republic of Ireland international pulled out of Saturday's 1-0 win against Fulham with a knee problem and is facing a fortnight out of action.
He joins David Dunn (Achilles), Vince Grella (calf) and Benni McCarthy (groin) on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Aaron Mokoena is struggling with illness and Keith Andrews is cup tied having already represented MK Dons in this season's competition.
Arteta doubt
Spanish schemer Mikel Arteta is Everton's only major doubt ahead of their trip to Ewood Park.
He has been suffering with a virus for the last 48 hours and was repeatedly sick following the Toffees' 2-2 draw at Hull on Sunday.
Tony Hibbert has resumed full training following a cruciate ligament injury but is not available to Moyes, while Steven Pienaar (ankle) and Andy van der Meyde (hamstring) are also some way off a first team return.
