Liverpool made light work of a potentially tricky tie away at Championship side Burton Albion - winning 5-0.
The reds will be hoping to go on and win the competition this season, having failed at the final hurdle in last season's final against Manchester City.
After a difficult defeat to Burnley at the weekend it was imperative the reds got back to winning ways, and with no European football this season, it was one of Liverpool's strongest line ups in recent years in the early stages of a domestic cup.
Sadio Mane returned from the shoulder injury which kept him out of the Burnley game - and Divock Origi started his first game of the season. Bold.
At the back Joel Matip came in for Ragnar Klavan - making his competitive debut for the reds.
The first half was one of total Liverpool domination. Mane, from the outset, was at the heart of all Liverpool's good moves. It was his move down the right that sent the ball across the 6 yard box for Origi to backheel in.
Moments later and it was 2-0 and already looking ominous for Burton. This time Clyne, with his second assist of the season, sent in a cross from the right which Firmino headed in. This coming shortly after Adam Lallana should have scored a similar headed goal.
Towards the end of the half there were very strong shouts for a Liverpool penalty - the impressive Sadio Mane clipped as he ran into the box. It was at the least a foul but it wasn't given by the referee.
Second half - more goals
From the second half whistle Burton started a bit better, but within ten minute the reds were back in the driving seat.
And lo and behold the reds even scored from a corner. James Milner's set-piece finding Can's head, before Burton defender Naylor put it in to his own net. Can tried to claim it, but it was a definite own goal.
The reds made some changes - Lallana and Firmino replaced by Sturridge and Wijnaldum.
Shortly after an enforced change - with Can going off for Kevin Stewart. Emre appeared to get his studs caught in the turf before leaping up in pain. He did walk off the pitch but could now be a doubt for the weekend's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
With just over 10 minutes to go it was time for Daniel Sturridge to score his first goal of the season - a ball fed in by James Milner pounced on by the Liverpool hitman.
FOUR NIL! STURRIDGE!! pic.twitter.com/QX2aqFYWTa
— Anfield Online (@anfieldonline) 23 August 2016
There was more to come - and Daniel Sturridge added his second, and Liverpool's fifth, with a well-placed left footed shot from outside the box.
5-0 Sturridge! pic.twitter.com/O2KbbPEs8a
— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) 23 August 2016
A two week international break is looming but Liverpool can go into it on a high if they get maximum points at Spurs on Saturday. It will be the reds fourth consecutive away game but they have scored 8 goals in their 2 previous appearances in London this month.
Anfield Online 'Man of the Match': Sadio Mane
