Maresca expects tough Carabao Cup test
Enzo Maresca has confirmed Manchester City will rotate their squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City at the Etihad. The new City boss described cup ties against lower-league sides as “always a tricky game” and expects a tough challenge.
“They are always a tricky game. The one game, they are the difficult game because, at the end, we need to do our job in the right way, like we are trying to do. I have no doubt that it's going to be a tricky game for many reasons,” Maresca said.
He added that changes will be made to manage the busy schedule, which includes Premier League and Champions League fixtures. “For sure, we're going to make some changes. I don't know how many, but for different reasons,” he explained.
Maresca confirmed that young prospects Kaden Braithwaite, Floyd Samba and Ryan McAidoo are set to feature. “These three players, they work with us regularly every day... they're going to be involved, all of them, in tomorrow's game,” he said.
“Ryan McAidoo already played in the Premier League, I think, twice. Kaden against Palace made some minutes, probably the only one is Floyd, but I'm sure that soon he's going to get some minutes also.”
According to The Pink'un, The Pink'un, Maresca is balancing the need to compete on all fronts with giving fringe players opportunities to develop.
Jacob Wright focused on business at City
Jacob Wright is determined to keep emotions in check as he returns to Manchester City for the Carabao Cup tie. The 20-year-old midfielder, who came through City’s academy and made four senior appearances under Pep Guardiola, joined Norwich permanently in 2025 seeking regular football.
“Maybe, maybe a little bit, but it's about taking the emotion out of it for now,” Wright said. “It'll be nice after the game, but before the game and during the game you're there to prove a point, and do the best you can on the pitch to hopefully help Norwich get a result.”
Wright impressed in Norwich’s 4-3 Championship defeat at Middlesbrough, providing a key assist and scoring a late equaliser before the Canaries conceded in stoppage time.
He acknowledged the intensity of the Championship schedule but remains confident in the squad’s progress. “It's been intense, as it is throughout the whole of the Championship season, there's loads and loads of games, three game weeks consistently,” he said.
“I think we've deserved more this year from the results that we've got. We'll just continue to do what we've been doing, continue to work hard every day in training and the results will follow.”
Wright’s focus is clear: “I'm there strictly on business with Norwich to try and get a result.”
Norwich prepare for gruelling early-season run
Norwich City face a demanding schedule as they travel to Manchester City for the Carabao Cup before returning to Carrow Road to host Bolton. The Canaries are navigating a tough early-season swing with three games per week becoming the norm.
City boss Philippe Clement has stressed that performances have been better than results suggest, a view shared by players including Wright. The squad is working hard to build understanding and consistency on the pitch.
Squad depth and rotation key
With a congested fixture list, squad rotation will be vital. Maresca’s comments on City’s approach underline the importance of managing player workload, a challenge Norwich will also face as they aim to progress in the cup while maintaining Championship form.
Focus on recovery and training
Wright highlighted the importance of recovery and training to sustain performance levels. “It's just important that we continue to work hard and train as much as possible and then recover and make sure you're ready to go and perform on matchdays,” he said.
Norwich will need to maintain that focus as they seek to upset the odds at the Etihad and build momentum in the league.