Man City news

City turn their attention to the Carabao Cup tomorrow night, with Enzo Maresca preparing to make changes against Norwich, Jeremy Doku closing in on his return and three youngsters set to be involved.

There is also a new transfer name doing the rounds, while Sunday’s Manchester derby continues to generate discussion for reasons City could probably have done without.

Here are today’s main City news and talking points.

Doku is getting closer

The most encouraging line from Maresca’s pre-Norwich press conference concerned Doku, who has missed City’s last five games after suffering a knock in the Community Shield.

“He is very close,” said Maresca, although he stopped short of confirming that the Belgian will be available on Thursday night. With Sunderland to come in the Premier League on Sunday, there is little reason to rush him.

City’s youngsters will be involved

Maresca was more definite about Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite and Floyd Samba, confirming that all three will be involved against Norwich.

McAidoo has already made two Premier League appearances this season and Braithwaite has also had senior minutes, while Samba is still waiting for his City debut. Maresca said of the trio: “They will be involved for sure.”

£5 to watch the next generation

Thursday also offers one of the cheaper opportunities to watch City at the Etihad, with under-18 tickets priced at £5 in standard seating areas and general-sale adult tickets at £20.

With Maresca promising opportunities for some of City’s younger players, it could be a particularly interesting night for those heading along.

Foden starts his suspension

One player who definitely won’t be involved is Phil Foden, who begins his three-match domestic suspension following his red card at Old Trafford.

Maresca described his absence as a “big blow”, with Foden also due to miss Sunday’s Premier League game against Sunderland and the subsequent meeting with Liverpool.

The derby argument rolls on

Maresca also had his say on the controversy surrounding City’s winner at Old Trafford after officials acknowledged that Enzo Fernandez should have been penalised for interfering from an offside position.

The City boss pointed back to Manchester United’s controversial equaliser in the 2023 derby, when Marcus Rashford was in an offside position before Bruno Fernandes scored, noting that City were still waiting for an apology over that decision.

Branthwaite appears on City’s radar

Away from Norwich, City have been named among the clubs monitoring Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Graeme Bailey reports that City, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are tracking the 24-year-old, who Everton reportedly value at around £80m, while Manchester United have made fresh contact with the player’s camp.

At this stage, though, this is one to watch rather than anything more substantial. There is no suggestion City have made an offer or opened negotiations with Everton.

A City-Norwich XI with a difference

And for something rather lighter, we went digging through the players who have represented both City and Norwich.

The resulting crossover XI contains Craig Bellamy, Darren Huckerby, Antoine Sibierski and Javier Garrido, plus the rather more obscure Simon Tracey in goal. Angus Gunn doesn’t quite qualify – he came through City’s academy but never made a competitive senior appearance.

Next up: Norwich at the Etihad

City begin the defence of the Carabao Cup against Philippe Clement’s Norwich at the Etihad on Thursday, with kick-off at 7.30pm.

The game is live in the UK on Sky Sports and NOW, with Maresca expected to make changes after Sunday’s derby. City are nine-time winners of the competition and lifted it again last season.

After several days spent looking backwards at Old Trafford, attention can finally turn to the next one.

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