Carabao Cup: City Face Norwich Amid Rotation
Carabao Cup: City Face Norwich Amid Rotation
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Key Points
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Norwich will be without Gabriel Forsyth, Mirko Topić, Ali Ahmed and Lucien Mahovo, all of whom are dealing with knee injuries. Jacob Wright could also feature against his former club.
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The match is the clubs’ first competitive meeting in more than four years, following Norwich’s relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2021-22 season.
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City’s 1-0 derby victory was followed by scrutiny of the officiating: Pro Ref acknowledged an error in the decision-making process, stood down the VAR officials involved for the next Premier League round, and said Bruno Fernandes should have been booked before Foden’s dismissal.
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Erling Haaland’s possible rest is also tied to workload management ahead of international duty: Norway manager Ståle Solbakken held a face-to-face meeting with Maresca at City’s training facility to discuss the striker’s workload ahead of the Nations League.
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In the United States, the match is available to stream live on Paramount+.
Manchester City host Norwich City in the Carabao Cup third round on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the holders heavily favored after their 1-0 derby win over Manchester United and five straight victories. Heavy reports City will rotate heavily to rest key players ahead of Sunday's league match, potentially benching Erling Haaland and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma while summer signing Gerónimo Rulli could debut.
Norwich Enter as Heavy Underdogs From Championship
Norwich arrive from England's second tier after a 4-3 loss to Middlesbrough, marking their first competitive meeting with City in over four years since their 2022 Premier League relegation. Heavy notes City have won the clubs' last four meetings and hold a 4-0 record against Norwich in EFL Cup ties, leaving little hope for an upset.
City's Rotation Plans Could Reshape the Starting XI
Phil Foden remains suspended after his red card against United, while Jérémy Doku is doubtful with a calf injury. EFL Cup 3rd Round reports no sign of Doku in City's setup, clearing the way for academy talent Jacob Wright to face his former club and new goalkeeper Rulli to potentially earn his debut against lower-league opposition.
Norwich's Injury Crisis Limits Attacking Options
Norwich will be without Gabriel Forsyth, Mirko Topić, Ali Ahmed, and Lucien Mahovo—all sidelined by knee injuries—that hamper their ability to exploit City's defensive reshuffling. The Championship side's depleted squad makes their chances of breaking City's perfect EFL Cup record even more remote.
Haaland's Rest Tied to Norway's International Fixtures
Erling Haaland's possible bench time reflects workload management ahead of international duty. Daily Hunt shows City are currently second in the league with five wins in their last six games, while Norway manager Ståle Solbakken met with City's staff to discuss the striker's schedule before Nations League matches.
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