Norwich City Begin Carabao Cup Campaign Against MK Dons
Norwich City begin their 2026/27 campaign this afternoon as they welcome League One side MK Dons to Carrow Road in the opening round of the Carabao Cup. Philippe Clement's side rounded off their seven-game pre-season programme on Tuesday afternoon with a goalless draw against Cambridge United, with their only defeat coming against La Liga side CA Osasuna last weekend.
What Happened?
Clement confirmed in Friday's press conference that he will name a strong starting XI as City target progression to the second round and a winning start to the new season ahead of their Championship opener against West Brom next Saturday. They will have to do it without winger Ali Ahmed, who is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed his ACL rupture in his right knee.
Why It Matters for Norwich City
The Canadian suffered the injury against Osasuna as he attempted to contort his body to bring a long diagonal pass under control. Kellen Fisher, Jovon Makama, and Lucien Mahovo are all unavailable for this clash after sustaining contact injuries in recent weeks. Clement offered positive updates on the former two yesterday, while Mahovo remains sidelined for three months with ankle ligament damage.
What Comes Next?
Long-term absentees Mirko Topic and Gabe Forsyth are also unavailable, although both are thought to be stepping up their respective recoveries. Pelle Mattsson is expected to return after missing the penultimate friendly with a minor hip issue, while attacking duo Papa Amadou Diallo and Ante Crnac are set for further minutes in Sunday's internal game.
Under the stewardship of boyhood Canary Paul Warne, MK Dons make the relatively short trip across to Norfolk for the first time since August 2011, when they defeated Norwich 4-0 in the same competition. Warne conducted his media duties on Friday and confirmed new signing Sam Silvera will not feature as he continues to build up his fitness. Midfielder Alex Gilbey is also unavailable after suffering an MCL injury in his knee during the Dons' first friendly against Maidenhead United.
League Standing
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 9th in Championship, 65 pts, 19W-8D-19L from 46 games, recent form LDWWL.
Goals Scored and Conceded
Goals this season: 63 scored, 56 conceded (+7 goal difference).
Title Race
Title race: 30 points behind leaders Coventry.
Currently Sidelined
Currently sidelined: Mirko Topić.
The match will be played at Carrow Road, with Adam Harvey providing live updates for Pink Un + subscribers. Join him and follow the action as it unfolds.
