Manchester City begin their Carabao Cup defence tonight against Norwich City at the Etihad, but they'll do so without Phil Foden, who starts a three-match suspension following his red card at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The timing is far from ideal for Foden, who had been finding his rhythm in the early weeks of the season. His absence opens the door for others, and with a Premier League fixture against Sunderland looming on Sunday, Enzo Maresca is expected to shuffle his pack heavily.
Maresca confirmed yesterday that Jeremy Doku is nearing a return from the calf problem he picked up against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield, though he stopped short of guaranteeing the winger any involvement tonight. It's a boost nonetheless, with Doku's directness a useful option off the bench if needed.
Norwich, managed by Philippe Clement, arrive as underdogs but with a reputation for attacking football. They'll fancy their chances of causing an upset, especially against a rotated City side.
With Sunday's league encounter against Sunderland in mind – the last before the international break – Maresca is unlikely to risk the likes of Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, and Elliot Anderson, all of whom have shouldered heavy workloads already this term.
That means opportunities for the fringe players and academy graduates. Gerónimo Rulli is set to make his long-awaited City debut in goal, while Rico Lewis could slot in at right-back – his first start since the opening weekend win over Bournemouth.
In defence, Abdukodir Khusanov should return to the heart of the backline, with Vitor Reis alongside him. The young Brazilian needs minutes, and this is the perfect fixture to hand him a start. Nico O'Reilly is likely to deputise for Joško Gvardiol at left-back, with the Croatian rested. O'Reilly also needs game time after a minor injury kept him out recently.
In midfield, Ayoubb Bouaddi looks a certainty to start, while Mateo Kovacic's experience will be vital in guiding the younger players around him. Enzo Fernandez, a player Maresca clearly rates highly, is expected to feature for around an hour.
Further forward, Ryan McAidoo has impressed in brief cameos this season and looks destined to start. Rayan Ait-Nouri should get a run-out on the left wing as he builds up his fitness. Up front, Iliman Ndiaye gets the nod, though Antoine Semenyo is pushing hard for a start.
It's a much-changed XI, but one that should still have too much for Norwich. The Carabao Cup has been a happy hunting ground for City in recent years, and Maresca will be keen to avoid an early exit.
Predicted City XI: Rulli; Lewis, Khusanov, Reis, O'Reilly; Bouaddi, Kovacic, Fernandez; McAidoo, Ait-Nouri; Ndiaye.