Is there VAR at Huddersfield vs Man City? Carabao Cup rules and extra-time explained

Extra-time, substitution and VAR regulations for the Carabao Cup as Manchester City begin their challenge against League One side Huddersfield Town

The third round of the Carabao Cup continues on Wednesday, with Premier League clubs involved in European competition joining the action.

The third round kicked off last week with four matches, but most of the ties were scheduled for this week due to the start of the Champions League. That includes Manchester City's trip to League One Huddersfield Town.

Also on Wednesday night, Port Vale welcome Arsenal, holders Newcastle United host Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers visit Tottenham Hotspur. The draw for the fourth round will be held after those matches.

Ahead of what will be a busy night of action, here are this season's Carabao Cup rules regarding extra-time, substitutions and VAR...

Is there extra time in the Carabao Cup?

At this stage of the competition, there is no extra-time.

If a match is all square after 90 minutes, it goes straight to penalties. Extra-time will only be used if necessary in the semi-finals and the final.

What are the substitution rules in the Carabao Cup?

Each club can list up to nine players on the bench for a tie, but only five can be used.

Each team is allowed a maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during the match, although changes at half-time do not count towards that limit.

Is VAR used in the Carabao Cup?

Unless every home club in the round has access to the system, it will not be deployed.

With several lower-league clubs still in the competition, that obviously isn't viable. That means there will be no VAR in the third round, which will be welcomed by many fans.

It could be used in the semi-finals, although that is dependent on whether all four clubs can accommodate the technology. In 2024, VAR was not used until the final.

That was because Middlesbrough, a Championship club, made it through to the semis and did not have the technology at their stadium. Therefore, the EFL deemed it unfair for the other last-four tie to use VAR.

Last season, VAR was used in the semi-finals, which featured four Premier League clubs, Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs.