Manchester City will line‑up a markedly altered side for Thursday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium. With the competition firmly low on Enzo Maresca’s priority list, the English manager has seized the opportunity to rest key figures and test fringe players in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that blends experience with youthful promise.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Rulli will guard the posts, while the back four comprises centre‑backs Khusanov, Reis, Guehi and left‑back Lewis. In midfield, veteran Luka Kovacic partners the versatile Bouaddi, offering a blend of composure and dynamism. The wide channels will be occupied by Allan on the right, Ndiaye on the left, and the attacking midfield trio of Ait‑Nouri, Semenyo and the lone striker role left to the versatile forward Semenyo, who will be tasked with leading the line.

The changes are driven by a trio of absences. Jeremy Doku remains out with a calf injury, eliminating a potent outlet on the right flank. More consequentially, Phil Foden is suspended, removing the creative engine that has been central to City’s recent domestic dominance. Maresca’s response has been to look toward the squad’s depth, and the most intriguing prospect is Nico O