Newcastle manager Bobby Robson insists he will not be taking the League Cup lightly when he takes his side to Barnsley tonight. Robson, who will give on-loan French defender Sylvain Distin his debut in place of Nikos Dabizas, is desperate to take advantage of the competition's UEFA Cup place.
Robson said: "I won't be making too many changes for our game at Barnsley. It's too big a risk to take because we want to be in the hat for the next round and not only that it is a way into Europe for us."
Barnsley newcomer Chris Lumsdon will be named in the squad as will midfielder Peter Sand, who signed last week from FC Midtjylland in Denmark.
Leicester's caretaker manager Garry Parker has prepared his players for the clash with Leeds by trying to lift their spirits after Peter Taylor's recent sacking.
"I tried to get the camaraderie and the banter and get them all smiling. That's all that I've done," Parker said. Leeds striker Alan Smith is poised for a return to the bench after his ankle injury while Dominic Matteo (foot) is a doubt.
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is expected to rest the majority of his international brigade for the Anfield tie against First Division Grimsby.
Charlton's influential Irish midfielder Mark Kinsella is back to full fitness after his double hernia, but forwards John Salako and Clive Mendonca are both still injured for the trip to West Brom.
