Derby County finished on a high in Group F of the Premier League Cup, thrashing Bristol City 8-1 and moving into top spot.
Cameron Cresswell scored four times, while Jayden Mitchell-Lawson struck a first-half hat-trick, and Josh Shonibare also got in on the act for the Rams.
Sam Bell scored a consolation goal for the visitors.
Derby, who had already secured a top-two finish, leapfrogged Aston Villa into first place.
But their Midlands rivals, who are also guaranteed a place in the knockout stage, are only one point behind and still have a match to play.
See: Derby report
Reds move into top two
Liverpool gave themselves a chance of qualifying from Group C, climbing from the bottom of the table into second place after triumphing 2-0 away against leaders AFC Bournemouth.
Glen McAuley and Paul Glatzel were on target at Vitality Stadium, taking the Reds above Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. But they are only one point ahead of both teams and have played an extra match.
See: Liverpool report
Toffees in pole position
Everton secured top spot in Group B after coming from behind late on to beat second-placed Sheffield United 2-1.
The Toffees, who had already qualified for the knockout stage, looked set to be overtaken when they trailed with seven minutes to go, following Reece York's opener.
But Bassala Sambou levelled and Manasse Mampala scored a stoppage-time winner.
See: Everton report