Manchester City Turn to Squad Depth Against Norwich in Carabao Cup Test

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City begin a congested autumn stretch on Thursday when Norwich City visit the 53,000-seat Etihad Stadium for the third round of the Carabao Cup. The 7:30 p.m. BST fixture follows four consecutive victories to open City’s Premier League campaign and a winning debut in the UEFA Champions League.

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With a Premier League meeting against Sunderland scheduled for Sunday at the Etihad, head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to rest high-profile regulars. Erling Haaland is set to sit out to manage his workload, leaving Antoine Semenyo positioned to lead the attack through the central striking role.

The match also gives several summer additions an opportunity to make their first official appearances for Manchester City. Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who joined from French Ligue 1 side Marseille during the summer transfer window, is slated to start in goal.

Phil Foden will not be available after receiving a red card in City’s recent victory over rival Manchester United. The playmaker begins a three-match domestic suspension, while winger Jeremy Doku remains out during his recovery from a calf strain sustained in the FA Community Shield before the league season began.

Behind Rulli, 18-year-old Brazilian center-back Vitor Reis is positioned to make his first start of the season. England international Marc Guéhi and Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov are also expected to feature, with academy graduate Rico Lewis scheduled to return to the starting XI and offer flexibility between defense and midfield.

Norwich City, who currently compete in the English Football League, are making their first visit to the Etihad since their last spell in the top flight. Manchester City have won the EFL Cup, historically known as the League Cup, eight times, including four consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021.

Croatian international Mateo Kovacic is expected to partner 18-year-old French midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in the center of the pitch. Allan is in line to make his debut for the club, adding another option to the midfield rotation as Maresca tests the breadth of his renovated squad.

Rayan Aït-Nouri could again be used in an advanced attacking role on the wing rather than at his traditional full-back position. Maresca has previously deployed him in that position, and the tactical adjustment is expected to be used from the opening kickoff against Norwich.

Iliman Ndiaye remains eligible and available for selection despite having previously participated in the tournament. Midfielder Nico O’Reilly is also under consideration for limited action while the coaching staff manages his workload following a demanding summer schedule and his recent return from injury.

Manchester City’s projected starting lineup features Rulli in goal; Khusanov, Reis, Guéhi and Lewis in defense; Kovacic and Bouaddi in midfield; and Allan, Ndiaye and Aït-Nouri supporting Semenyo in attack.