Hurzeler understands the type of play that Johannes Hoff Thorup is attempting to develop at the Championship level. Borja Sainz, City’s forward, is still available at this point in the week, pending the FA’s decision on a recent charge involving spitting at Sunderland last month. Norwich filed their views ahead of Tuesday’s deadline and are now awaiting the results. But German manager Hurzeler is undoubtedly planning to halt the Spaniard and City’s main build-up players. “They try to build up from the back with (Callum) Doyle and (Kenny) McLean as sixes, both are very good football players,” according to him. “They have clear positioning in the build-up, and Sainz is on the attacking line. He’s a very good one-against-one player. He makes a difference, especially in the Championship.

“He scores a lot of goals. He makes a lot of assists. So we have to, we have to defend quite good. We have to press intensely, we have to be very compact also in a low block to be ready to defend against them, otherwise they can cause a lot of danger.

“I watched a lot of English football, including the FA Cup, when I was in Germany. I think the League Cup is also growing in value – clubs play their strongest teams in the latter stages because they see it as a chance to win a title.

“I love cup games because they’re unpredictable. Maybe even more so than league matches, as it’s just one game – 90 minutes, plus extra time if needed. You have to win or you’re out.”

The Premier League club head to Carrow Road after six draws in eight but Hurzeler is expecting another tough assignment at the Canaries.

“Norwich is an excellent opponent. “They play very well, build from the back, and have good individual players,” he stated during his pre-match press conference. “So it is not guaranteed that we will win there. It will be hard labour. We cannot underestimate them, and we must work hard on the pitch to find opportunities to advance to the next round. “It’s always crucial to get good results, regardless of the competition. Winning boosts confidence, belief, and trust, as well as creating a more positive atmosphere. However, I attempt to concentrate on the process and performance. If we keep to our idea and work hard, we will see results. Chasing achievements without a defined framework or identity might lead to long-term issues.”

Joao Pedro is ruled out with an ankle injury. England international defender Lewis Dunk (calf) is also still expected to be sidelined.

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