Manchester City vs Everton preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the second leg of the League Cup semi-final at the City of Manchester Stadium

Everton boss Roberto Martinez will hope to be all smiles on Wednesday night (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Gareth Barry: The ex-Manchester City midfielder is the beating heart of his Everton side. After a less than impressive team performance in a weekend loss to Swansea, Barry will look to galvanise his side into a win against his former club.

Best stat…

21 – The amount of years since Everton’s last piece of silver wear. A 2009 loss to Chelsea in the FA cup final is the closest any Toffee’s side has come to a trophy since a Dave Watson inspired Everton defeated Manchester United in the 1995 FA Cup final at the old Wembley.

Remember when…

Leon Osman casually struck a 25 yard effort in to the top corner on the way to a 2-0 Everton win over City. The March 2013 fixture saw Roberto Mancini’s side lose further ground on rivals Manchester United. Their eventual second place finish saw the demise of the Italian; it also happened to be David Moyes’ last season at Everton.

Check out the highlights in the video below.

Player to watch…

Raheem Sterling: The ex-Liverpool forward will face likely goading by opposing fans. With five goals this season, his season has been quieter than the last. Yet, the biggest stage will often bring out the best in players like Sterling. With goals the requirement for City to progress, the 21 year old will need to have a big performance as he searched for his own first trophy.

Past three-meetings…

Manchester City 0 Everton 0, Premier League, January 2016

Everton 2 (Funes Mori, Lukaku) Manchester City 1 (Jesús Navas), League Cup, January 2016

Everton 0 Manchester City 2 (Kolarov, Nasri), Premier League, August 2015

Form guide…

Manchester City: DWDWLW

Everton: LDDWWD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: Wednesday 26^th January 19:45

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1