The Canaries clash comes towards the end of an intensive opening period of fixtures for City – with a key Premier League game against Sunderland following on Sunday ahead of the September international break.
Maresca’s men have made a flying start to the season, winning all four Premier League games as well as triumphing in our UEFA Champions League opener at FC Porto.
Tomorrow’s clash also comes on the back of last Sunday’s physically and emotionally draining 1-0 derby win at Manchester United where the Blues were down to 10 players for 70 minutes.
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Addressing the media at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference as City set about on the defence of the League Cup, the boss confirmed he would look to afford opportunities for a number of players who haven’t had too many minutes for far this term.
And he insisted that those who are involved will have a key role to play looking both to tomorrow and the rest of the season.
“For sure, we are going make some changes,” Maresca revealed.
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“I don’t know how many but for different reasons.
“The ones who will play will play I’m sure at some stage they will play important games later in the season in the Premier League and Champions League.
“Now it’s an early part of the season with not many suspended or injured.
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“But going into November, December, January, February - with the amount of games and injuries and players who need a rest, so for the players that are going to play tomorrow for sure for them it is an opportunity to get better and better.
“Because at some point we will need them in important games and different competitions.”
“With the amount of games and injuries and players [who] need rest.
“So, for them it is an opportunity to get better and better and better because we will need them in important games.”
The Canaries have made a mixed start to the Championship season and currently sit in 14th place in the table with nine points from their seven games to date.
However, for the City boss, the one-off nature of the tie brings with it a sense of jeopardy and danger with Maresca insisting City would not take our opponents lightly.
“Absolutely they are always tricky games,” the boss added.
“The one game they are difficult games.
“We have to do our job in the right way, like we are trying to do and no doubt it will be a tricky game for many reasons.
“It is one more competition. We need to compete in all the competitions.
“We will try to do our best and then we will see where we finish.”
Be here as City begin defence of Carabao Cup crown
Don’t miss our Carabao Cup third round game with Norwich City as we look to defend the trophy we won in 2025/26.
Our clash with the Canaries takes place on Thursday 17 September at the Etihad Stadium with a 19:30 (UK) kick-off.
Tickets are on general sale and priced at £20 for adults and £5 for kids – with up to six tickets available to purchase per supporter.
The Blues are nine-time winners of the competition – behind only Liverpool – having emerged victorious in 1970, 1976, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2026.
Make sure you secure your spot at the Etihad Stadium as we look for more glory this season!
