Manchester City open the defence of their Carabao Cup title against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, with Enzo Maresca looking to make it six straight wins in all competitions.
Victory would set up a fourth-round tie and continue City’s pursuit of a 10th League Cup triumph. Maresca has a quick turnaround before Sunday’s Premier League visit of Sunderland, and is expected to give a host of fringe players an opportunity to impress against Championship opposition.
Manchester City team news
Man City will be without the suspended Phil Foden, who begins a three-match ban following his red card in Sunday’s derby win over Manchester United. Jeremy Doku remains a doubt with a calf problem and is unlikely to be risked for the cup tie.
Summer signings Geronimo Rulli and Allan are both in line to make their debuts, with Rulli set to start in goal as Gianluigi Donnarumma is given a rest. Vitor Reis, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic and Ayyoub Bouaddi are all candidates to come into the side, while Iliman Ndiaye is eligible to feature having appeared for Everton in the competition’s earlier rounds this season.
Manchester City predicted lineup
Manchester City possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Khusanov, Reis, Guehi, Lewis; Kovacic, Bouaddi; Allan, Ndiaye, Semenyo; Haaland
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup third-round match kicks off at 19:30 BST on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
How to watch Manchester City vs Norwich City?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ in the UK.
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