Turning their attention to EFL Cup duties on Thursday night, Manchester City will welcome Norwich to the Etihad.

Ahead of a stacked midweek schedule from across the continent, there are a host of eye-catching betting promotions available.

Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: BetUS

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City fans might have been heartbroken back in May as they bid an emotional farewell to Pep Guardiola, the Sky Blues haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Clearly enjoying life under new boss Enzo Maresca, the English giants have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2026/27 campaign. Last seen over the weekend snatching Manchester bragging rights as they clinched a controversial 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, City have their sights fixed on mounting a genuine title charge this season. In fact, storming back since their Community Shield frustration last month, Maresca’s high-flying squad have won all of their previous five consecutive appearances across all competitions. In fact, alongside reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, Manchester City are one of just two clubs who can boast a 100% start to the new campaign.

Manchester City Team News

Shown a dramatic first-half red card at Old Trafford on Sunday, England international Phil Foden will miss out through suspension here. Still sidelined with a calf issue and yet to make a maiden appearance so far this season, Belgium attacker Jeremy Doku won’t play any part on Thursday night.

On their return to the Etihad in midweek, Maresca will view this as a golden opportunity to make a string of alterations and handed some of his fringe superstars some valuable minutes. The likes of Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis and new recruit Ayyoub Bouaddi should be handed respective starts.

Norwich City

As for the visitors, eventually suffering the most dramatic of last-gasp heartbreak away at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon as they slumped to a thrilling 4-3 defeat on Tyneside, Norwich will be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge here. Despite winning three of their opening five Championship showdowns, the Canaries couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination on Thursday night. Falling to a routine 4-0 drumming when they last met Manchester City back in February 2022, Philippe Clement’s men hold a nightmare record against the Premier League giants. In fact, Norwich have lost all of their previous four straight showdowns against the Sky Blues by an aggregate score of 17-2. Likewise, Clement’s side have recorded just a sole competitive victory at the Etihad since way back in 1997.

Norwich City Team News

Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Norwich will be unable to call upon the duo of Mirko Topic and Canadian international Ali Ahmed on Thursday night. Likewise, yet to feature since opening up the 2026/27 campaign, former Blackburn youngster Lucien Mahovo remains on the sidelines with an ankle issue.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon and already registering four Championship strikes, Australian starlet Mohamed Toure will lead the line here. Former Bournemouth star Jack Stacey should be handed a full recall at left-back.

Manchester City vs Norwich City Key Factors to Consider

  • When Manchester City and Norwich last met back in February 2022, the Sky Blues stormed their way to a 4-0 victory in Norfolk.
  • Man City have won each of their last four straight meetings against Thursday’s guests by an aggregate score of 17-2.
  • Alongside reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, Man City are one of just two clubs who can boast a 100% start to proceedings.
  • Norwich have recorded just a sole victory in the blue half of Manchester since way back in 1997.
  • Maresca’s men have notched at least a pair of goals in 11 of their previous 13 meetings against Norwich across all competitions.

Conclusion

While Manchester City might be expected to make a string of alterations on Thursday night, the Premier League giants are rightfully installed as a landslide contender here. Landing a routine 4-0 romp when they last met Norwich back in February 2022, the Sky Blues hold a dominant record against their midweek guests. Winning all of their last four meetings by an aggregate score of 17-2, Man City will simply be looking to lay down another domestic marker at the Etihad. Flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign, Norwich couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination.

Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: BetUS

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