Manchester City’s Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich should provide opportunities for some of Enzo Maresca’s less familiar faces, with the manager confirming that his three young first-team players will be involved.
City host the Canaries on Thursday night and Maresca has named Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite and Floyd Samba as three youngsters who will be part of his plans.
Here are five players who could benefit from the occasion.
Geronimo Rulli
Rulli has had to wait behind Gianluigi Donnarumma since joining City in the summer and is still awaiting his debut.
The Carabao Cup looks an obvious opportunity for Maresca to use his second-choice goalkeeper and give Rulli some competitive football.
Allan
Allan is another summer arrival yet to make his City debut, although he has been part of Maresca’s matchday squads.
The Brazilian could get his first opportunity against Norwich, either from the start or from the bench, as City look to spread the workload.
Ryan McAidoo
McAidoo has already made two Premier League appearances this season and is the most experienced of the three youngsters Maresca discussed before the game.
The 18-year-old has been training permanently with the senior squad and another appearance would continue his gradual introduction to first-team football.
Kaden Braithwaite
Braithwaite has also tasted senior action, coming on during City’s 4-1 victory at Crystal Palace last month.
The defender has remained around Maresca’s first-team group since pre-season and Thursday could offer another opportunity to show how close he is to becoming a more regular option.
Floyd Samba
Samba is perhaps the most intriguing of the five because he is the only one of Maresca’s three youngsters yet to make his senior debut.
The City boss has already said his chance will come and confirmed that he will be involved against Norwich. Whether that means a first appearance remains to be seen, but this looks his best opportunity yet.
For all five, Thursday offers something slightly different. For Rulli and Allan it could mean a City debut; for McAidoo and Braithwaite another step forward; and for Samba, potentially his first taste of senior football.
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