Man City XI vs Norwich: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Carabao Cup today | OneFootball

Two debuts in the offing as suspended Phil Foden misses out

Manchester City could welcome back Jeremy Doku for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Norwich.

Doku has been out with a calf strain since last month’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal, but Enzo Maresca revealed in the pre-match press conference that the winger is nearing a return to action.

While City are the holders of the trophy, it will be considered the competition with the lowest priority by boss Maresca, who has made a great start to life at the Etihad Stadium.

With that in mind, Maresca, who made eight changes at this stage of last season’s competition when at Chelsea, is likely to give some non-regulars game-time in the third-round tie.

He will definitely be without Phil Foden, whose three-match suspension begins following his red card in Sunday’s derby win over rivals United.

Summer signing Geronimo Rulli, an Argentine international who joined from Marseille, is likely to make his debut in goal.

In defence, Vitor Reis looks set to make his first start of the season, with Rico Lewis also coming in.

Teenage summer recruit Ayyoub Bouaddi should get more game-time in midfield, alongside Mateo Kovacic, while this looks a great chance for Brazilian winger Allan to make his debut.

Recall: Ayyoub Bouaddi

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Rayan Ait-Nouri is seen as “more as a winger than a full-back” by Maresca could start on the right-hand side, although Iliman Ndiaye is another option – the former Everton man is eligible despite having played for his previous club in the last round.

With Erling Haaland due a rest, Antoine Semenyo looks the most likely candidate to fill the centre-forward position.

Nico O’Reilly, who played last eight minutes of Sunday’s derby having returned from injury, is also a contender for a spot in defence or midfield, although his workload may well be managed, particularly considering he was away with England at the World Cup for most of the summer.

Predicted Man City XI (4-2-3-1): Rulli; Khusanov, Reis, Guehi, Lewis; Kovacic, Bouaddi; Allan, Ndiaye, Ait-Nouri; Semenyo