Manchester City host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night for the crucial second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, leading 2–0 on aggregate.
Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki at St James’ Park three weeks ago have put City in a strong position to reach their 10th EFL Cup final. However, Pep Guardiola’s side comes into this match after a disappointing draw against Tottenham, where they lost a two-goal lead.
For Newcastle, the challenge is significant; they need to be just the second team in the tournament’s history to recover from a two-goal first-leg deficit to advance to the final. Manager Eddie Howe remains optimistic despite injuries and a poor run away from home, which included a 4–1 defeat at Liverpool last weekend.
Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Tony Harrington
- VAR: Paul Howard
- Last Meeting: Newcastle United 0–2 Manchester City (13 Jan 2026) League Cup
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is keeping an eye on Rayan Cherki, who picked up a knock against Tottenham but is expected to play. Rúben Dias has returned to training, though he isn’t yet match-ready. City will miss Jeremy Doku (calf), Joško Gvardiol (tibial fracture), John Stones (thigh), and Savinho. January signing Marc Guéhi is ineligible for this match. James Trafford is likely to be in goal.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe has confirmed that captain Bruno Guimarães and midfielder Lewis Miley are set to miss the trip to Manchester. They join several others on the injury list, including Joelinton (groin), Tino Livramento (hamstring), Fabian Schär (ankle), and Emil Krafth (knee). Sven Botman is fit to play, and Sandro Tonali will likely head a weakened midfield.
Form
Manchester City
City has made the Etihad Stadium a stronghold, winning 17 of their last 18 home games against Newcastle across all competitions. However, they have struggled to keep leads this year, conceding six second-half goals in the Premier League without scoring. Nevertheless, Rayan Cherki remains in excellent cup form, scoring in all three of his EFL Cup matches this season.
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s 10-game EFL Cup winning streak, which began in 2024, was broken by City in the first leg. Their recent away form has dropped, highlighted by a heavy loss to Liverpool. The Magpies aim to avoid being just the third EFL Cup holders to be eliminated in the semi-finals. Anthony Gordon is their key playmaker, leading the team with six chances created in the competition this season.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City Predicted XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Bernardo; Semenyo, Haaland
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
How to Watch Manchester City vs Newcastle United?
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Ultra HD. It can also be streamed via Now TV and the Sky Go app.
Read more- Declan Rice: Arsenal have ‘desire and fire’ to finally win trophies
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
