Enzo Maresca and Manchester City have found out their opening opponents in their defence of their Carabao Cup trophy in the 2026/27 season.
The 2025/26 Carabao Cup campaign saw Manchester City claim their 18th trophy of the Pep Guardiola era, and the penultimate trophy of the Catalan's reign at the Etihad Stadium.
A successful run to the final of the tournament resulted in a showpiece victory over the eventual Premier League champions as a Nico O'Reilly brace at Wembley Stadium was the difference maker against Arsenal back in March.
The third round of last season's competition saw victory away at Huddersfield Town, before a trip to South Wales saw Manchester City record a 1-3 victory to meet Brentford in the quarter-final stage of the tournament.
The last-eight would see goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho record a 2-0 win over Keith Andrews' side, setting up a semi-final win over Newcastle United across two-legs before their final win over Mikel Arteta's players.
Man City find out Carabao Cup third round opponents
Now, following the completion of the third round draw of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup, Manchester City have found out that they will face Championship side Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium on week commencing 14 September.
Full confirmation of the details for City against Norwich in the third round of the competition will be released in due course, with the contest coming after a Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The match-up will also be the club's second midweek outing of the brand new season, with the previous week seeing the side take on UEFA Champions League league phase duties for the first time this campaign.
Following the clash with the Canaries in the League Cup, Manchester City will welcome Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 19 September in the traditional 3PM kick-off time slot.
Given the fixture list built around the Carabao Cup week, it is expected that Manchester City will take on their opening League Cup clash of the brand new season on Wednesday 16 September - allowing for two day breaks either side of the game.
Full Carabao Cup third round draw
Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Manchester City vs Norwich City
Sunderland vs Hull City
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal
Coventry City vs Aston Villa
Bournemouth vs Lincoln City
Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea or Luton Town vs Leeds United
Millwall vs Newcastle United
Fleetwood Town vs Sheffield United
Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leyton Orient vs Bradford City
Reading vs Brentford
Peterborough vs Barnsley
West Ham United vs Fulham or AFC Wimbledon