After a statement win in the Manchester derby, Manchester City must now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup for a clash against Norwich.
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Sunday’s action saw Enzo Maresca’s side make it five wins in a row across competitions, with Erling Haaland’s goal proving enough to beat Manchester United and continue the Blues’ excellent start to the campaign.
The derby got off to a heated start, with Phil Foden seeing red after he retaliated to a kick in the back from Bruno Fernandes. The dismissal left Manchester City facing a difficult task with 10-men, but rather than allowing the setback to derail their afternoon, the Blues responded impressively.
After the break, City looked like the team on the front foot despite their numerical disadvantage, and continued to threaten going forward and remained disciplined without the ball, refusing to allow Manchester United to take control of the contest.
On the hour mark, Erling Haaland turned home Josko Gvardiol’s cross to give the visitors the lead. The striker made no mistake from close range, capping another impressive performance and putting Manchester City within touching distance of another derby victory.
There was much deliberation about whether Enzo Fernandez interfered from an offside position in the build-up, but given the similarities to Marcus Rashford’s role in Manchester United’s winner two years ago, the goal was eventually ruled onside.
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With the advantage secured, Manchester City had to show their defensive resolve during the final stages. United pushed for an equaliser but Enzo Maresca’s side stood firm, limiting their opponents’ opportunities and protecting their lead until the final whistle.
The victory not only secured another three points but also extended City’s winning run to five matches, giving them further momentum heading into their Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich City.
Philippe Clement's Canaries come into this one off the back of a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough in the North-East. They currently sit 12th in the Championship with three wins from seven games.
Here is how we expect Manchester City to line up for their first cup match of the season!
Predicted XI
As is tradition for Manchester City in the cup, the No.1 is likely to be rested, meaning Geronimo Rulli is likely to make his debut after returning to the club this summer. The Argentinian never made a senior appearance in his previous stint at the Etihad Stadium during the 2016/17 season.
Rico Lewis started the first game of the season against Bournemouth, but has not featured since. He could be in line for a start once again as Enzo Maresca looks to manage minutes across the squad.
Abdukodir Khusanov has been deployed across the backline throughout the opening games of the season, and he will most likely be deployed in his natural role for this one. After resting in the Manchester derby, he looks set to lead the defence.
Vitor Reis could be in line for his first start of the season, after impressing at Girona last season. Enzo Maresca will surely be looking to involve the Brazilian international defender as soon as possible, especially with the club being expected to compete across all fronts.
After sustaining a minor injury in the warm-up before facing Coventry City, Nico O'Reilly returned to action from the bench against Manchester United. While he has primarily been deployed in midfield, an appearance at left-back might make the most sense for this one.
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Mateo Kovacic has not started since the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, but he will be invaluable as a rotational player for cup competitions. The Croatian will also provide an element of experience that could help Ayyoub Bouaddi, in what could be his second start since joining the club.
The Moroccan midfielder had an impressive first start against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League. At just 18 years of age, getting significant minutes in the matches of this nature will be crucial to his development.
Rayan Cherki was withdrawn at half-time against Manchester United after Phil Foden got sent off, but that does make starting him for this one more feasible. Cherki has started the season with four goals and assists from five matches, and that killer instinct could be enough to see Manchester City through to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
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Allan was named in the squad for the first time in the Premier League against Manchester United following his move from Palmeiras, and the Carabao Cup could provide the perfect stage for his first start in Manchester City colours.
With Ryan McAidoo also in Enzo Maresca’s plans, it will not be a straightforward decision, but giving the Brazilian minutes sooner rather than later could be the sensible approach as he continues to settle into his new surroundings.
Iliman Ndiaye was instrumental in the winning goal against Manchester United, and that involvement may have earned him a start in this one.
With an opportunity to rest Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Ndiaye could see himself in a more central role against Norwich. While he isn't often deployed at striker, City's options are limited centrally and rotation will be key with fixture congestion as it is.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has seen very limited minutes so far in the campaign, but when he has played it has often been in a more advanced role.
The Algerian international featured on the wing from the bench against Porto and provided an assist for Erling Haaland, and Enzo Maresca could look to test him in that position once again. If he is to win a spot in the side this season, versatility could be key.
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Starting XI: Rulli; Lewis, Khusanov, Reis, O'Reilly; Kovacic, Bouaddi, Cherki; Allan, Ndiaye, Ait-Nouri.
Substitutes: Donnarumma, Nunes, Guehi, Dias, Braithwaite, Gvardiol, Fernandez, F. Samba, McAidoo.