Arsenal, Man City and United kids among the starlets to watch out for in League Cup

And the third round of the cup didn't disappoint when it came to producing eye catching performances from some of the best young players across the English leagues.

The fourth round takes place this week with 12 Premier League clubs featuring along with two Championship sides - Stoke and Preston - while Sunderland fly the League One flag.

But who are the teenagers primed for a breakout role in the senior ranks this week? We take a look…

Folarin Balogun - Arsenal

The 20-year-old striker came on as a substitute for the north London outfit in the Carabao Cup third round tie against AFC Wimbledon.

And the youth academy graduate may be given the chance to be included again as the Gunners host Leeds United on Tuesday.

The attacker signed a new long-term contract with the club in April of this year, and will hope for more opportunities in the next 12 months with Alexandre Lacazette's future beyond January in doubt.

Balogun made his Premier League debut in the 2-0 loss against Brentford and has since scored seven times in six games for Arsenal's U23s this season.

So the starlet will be itching for a shot to show Arteta just what he can do.

Cole Palmer - Manchester City

The embarrassment of riches at the Etihad means only Phil Foden has managed to make the transition from academy hopeful to first team star in recent years.

But Palmer is well on his way to following in his fellow Manc midfielder's footsteps after scoring his first City goal in a 6-1 win over Wycombe in the last round.

This view was echoed by ex-City man Paul Dickov, who said "He's [Palmer] going to get better and better but it's about trusting the process - like Phil Foden".

Speaking to mancity.com after the Wycombe clash, Palmer said "I'm over the moon and absolutely buzzing to score my first goal and to go through to the next round.

"When I got the ball on the halfway line I thought 'I'm not looking back, just thought 'I'm going.'

"I drove and drove at the defender, the defender dropped off I thought 'I'm going to take it' and thankfully it went in."

The 19-year-old also started at Wembley in the Community Shield and was branded by Pep Guardiola as "exceptional", also marking his England under-21 debut with a goal this month.

The City academy graduate has scored twice in five appearances for the first team so far this campaign, and Wednesday will serve as a good opportunity to up his tally and prove he can follow in Foden's footsteps.

Dane Scarlett - Tottenham

Harry Kane's lack of Premier League goals this season has been a major talking point for Nuno Espirito Santo's side so far.

That is why Scarlett could prove a breathe of fresh air for Spurs when boss Nuno returns to his old side Wolves on Wednesday.

It's not often a young player gets described as a 'diamond' by Jose Mourinho, but the forward - who has four goals in five appearances for England Under-19s - earned that praise in February.

The 17-year-old remains the club's youngest Premier League player ever and has been an unused substitute in four top-flight games this term.

He has made starts for Tottenham in the Europa Conference League, but was left on the subs bench against Wolves in the last round.

But given Kane's goal drought, Scarlett could be the breath of fresh air Spurs need.

Fin Stevens - Brentford

18-year-old defender Fin Stevens plays as a right back for the newly promoted West London side and for Wales U21s.

He also made five appearances for the Bees in their promotion season and earnt himself a play-off winner medal for being an unused substitute at Wembley.

Brentford face Championship side Stoke City away from home this Wednesday and have more than enough room to start some youngsters.

Given that the Bees will be focusing on maintaining their flying start to the Premier League, it's likely they'll rest key players for this tie.

The Arsenal academy graduate featured in the Bees' 7-0 victory over Oldham last month and may well play against the Potters.

Joe Gelhardt - Leeds

The 19-year-old signed from Wigan in 2020 and played a pivotal role in Leeds picking up a much needed point last weekend.

Gelhardt came on as a substitute for the the Yorkshire side in the 62nd minute and it didn't take long for him to show his talents, stinging the palms of Wolves keeper Jose Sa in the 79th minute.

But it was in the third minute of stoppage time that the forward really made an impact as he marauded his way into the Wolves box and fouled by Nelson Semedo to win a penalty which ultimately earned Leeds a point..

Leeds have been struggling to find the back of the net in recent weeks, with Patrick Bamford out with an ongoing ankle injury.

And Bielsa was delighted with his hot prospect.

"He was causing danger constantly," the Argentine said when speaking about Gelhardt after the clash, "Not only with the penalty but a few occasions he could have scored".

It seems likely then that Gelhardt will find his way into the team again when they face Arsenal this week.

Sepp van den Berg - Preston

The final starlet to keep an eye out for this weekend is Preston loanee Sepp van den Berg.

And the 19-year-old is set to appear for North End against his own club, Liverpool, on Wednesday night.

Van den Berg is in his second spell at North End, and the Lancashire club had requested that the defender be allowed to feature in the cup tie against the Reds.

That request has duly been granted by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who believes it represents a great chance for the Dutchman.

oan players are prohibited from featuring against their parent clubs in league games but cup competitions are a different prospect.

Jurgen Klopp ultimately approved the decision to allow Van den Berg the opportunity to feature in a game that could aid his long-term development.

Klopp's assistant Pepijn Lijnders said: "Yes, of course he should play.

"It's like, if you want to be a chef, you need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen!

"So, what would our message be if we sent our players on loan to get good games and then there's a good game coming and not letting them play?

"We want to give young players opportunities and for Sepp it is an amazing game."