A key League Cup semi-final first leg takes place at St James’ Park this Tuesday, featuring defending champions Newcastle United against eight-time winners Manchester City.
Newcastle aims to defend their title after ending a long 70-year trophy drought by beating Liverpool 2-1 in last season’s final. They come into the match with an impressive 13-game unbeaten streak at home.
This streak includes a thrilling 7-6 win on penalties over Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday. Meanwhile, Manchester City arrives after a commanding 10-1 win against Exeter City but is looking to break a run of three consecutive draws in the Premier League. City has not won this trophy since their four-year reign ended in 2021.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
- Last Meeting: Newcastle 2–1 Manchester City, 22 Nov 2025, Premier League
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is facing a defensive crisis. Valentino Livramento is scheduled for a scan after a hamstring injury, joining Fabian Schär (ankle), Dan Burn (rib), Emil Krafth (knee), and Jamaal Lascelles (muscle) on the sidelines. Anthony Elanga is also doubtful due to a knock. In brighter news, Harvey Barnes is in excellent form, having scored four goals in his last two matches, and is expected to lead the attack with Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, and Yoane Wissa.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has multiple injuries to manage, confirming that Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), Ruben Dias (hamstring), John Stones (muscle), and Mateo Kovacic (ankle) are all unavailable. Savinho and Oscar Bobb are also recovering from their own injuries. Left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is back from AFCON but may not start to mitigate injury risks. New signing Antoine Semenyo is available after scoring on his debut against Exeter.
Form
Newcastle United
The Magpies have won their last three Premier League matches since a loss on Boxing Day, currently sitting sixth in the table. They hold a perfect record in League Cup semi-finals, being the only team to achieve this. Newcastle has also defeated Manchester City in their last two League Cup meetings, including a 1-0 victory at home in September 2023.
Manchester City
City is unbeaten in their last 12 matches across competitions, securing nine wins in that time. However, they have struggled recently in the league, trailing leaders Arsenal by six points after three consecutive draws. Guardiola maintains a strong record in the League Cup semi-finals, having progressed every time he has reached this stage with City.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted XI: Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes; Wissa
Manchester City predicted XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland
How to watch Newcastle vs Manchester City?
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports, with coverage starting before the 20:00 GMT kick-off.
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