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Manchester City vs Newcastle United
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MATCH INFO
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MATCH :
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Manchester City vs Newcastle United
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COMPETITION :
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EFL Cup
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DATE:
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14-01-2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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St. James Park
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Manchester City 2 - 1 Newcastle United
Newcastle United vs Manchester City: EFL Cup Semi-Final First-Leg Preview, Team News, Lineups and Prediction
Newcastle United and Manchester City are set to collide in a blockbuster EFL Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, with both clubs eyeing a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.
The Magpies enter this tie as the defending champions, having lifted their first major domestic trophy in 70 years last season, while Manchester City are eager to reclaim a competition they once dominated under Pep Guardiola. With a second leg to come at the Etihad Stadium in early February, this opening encounter could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the tie.
Newcastle United aiming to defend historic crown
Newcastle’s EFL Cup triumph in the 2024-25 campaign marked a defining moment in the club’s modern history. Goals from Alexander Isak and Dan Burn secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley, ending a seven-decade wait for major silverware and firmly establishing Eddie Howe’s side as genuine contenders on the domestic stage.
Rather than suffering a post-trophy hangover, Newcastle have embraced the challenge of defending their crown with authority. Their journey to the semi-finals this season has been impressive, combining attacking flair with resilience in key moments.
The Magpies began their campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Bradford City in the third round, before producing a disciplined and mature display to overcome Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in round four. In the quarter-finals, Newcastle were pushed to the limit by Fulham but showed their fighting spirit, with teenager Lewis Miley scoring a dramatic 92nd-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory and book a place in the last four.
Now, however, Newcastle face their toughest obstacle yet in the form of Manchester City, a side packed with world-class talent and extensive experience in high-pressure knockout matches.
St James’ Park strength could prove decisive
One of Newcastle’s greatest weapons heading into this semi-final is their formidable home form. St James’ Park has become one of the most intimidating venues in English football, and the Magpies are unbeaten in their last 13 home matches across all competitions, recording 10 wins and three draws during that run.
Newcastle also have recent history on their side against Manchester City on Tyneside. In their last four home meetings with the Citizens, the Magpies have claimed two wins, one draw and suffered just one defeat. Crucially, they have also beaten City in both of their most recent EFL Cup encounters, adding to the belief that they can once again rise to the occasion.
Eddie Howe’s side arrive at this semi-final in strong overall form, having won three and drawn one of their last four matches. That run includes a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth, highlighting Newcastle’s growing composure in knockout situations.
Manchester City seeking EFL Cup revival
Manchester City may be serial winners in domestic and European competitions, but the EFL Cup has recently eluded them. After lifting the trophy four times in succession between 2017-18 and 2020-21, City have endured a string of disappointments in the competition.
They were eliminated in round three last season, exited in round four in both 2021-22 and 2024-25, and fell at the quarter-final stage in 2022-23. As a result, reaching the semi-finals this season represents a significant step forward and an opportunity to reassert their dominance.
City’s route to the last four has been professional and controlled. Guardiola’s men overcame Huddersfield Town 2-0, defeated Swansea City 3-1 and then produced a solid 2-0 win over Brentford in the quarter-finals. These results have carried City into their first EFL Cup semi-final since 2021, and they will be determined to go all the way.
City arrive in fine form but wary of Newcastle challenge
Manchester City head into this fixture on an excellent run of form, unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions, with nine wins and three draws. Their most recent outing was a ruthless 10-1 demolition of Exeter City, a result that showcased the sheer depth and attacking firepower at Guardiola’s disposal.
However, City are well aware that St James’ Park represents one of the most difficult away assignments in English football. They were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle at the same venue in the Premier League earlier this season, and Guardiola will be keen to avoid a repeat of that result.
City’s last victory away at Newcastle came two years ago in a dramatic 3-2 win, when goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Oscar Bobb secured all three points, with Bobb scoring a stoppage-time winner. Since then, the balance of power at St James’ Park has shifted, with Newcastle increasingly capable of going toe-to-toe with the league’s elite.
With the return leg scheduled for the Etihad Stadium, City’s priority will be to ensure they leave Tyneside with a positive result, keeping the tie firmly in their control.
Team news: injuries and selection dilemmas
Newcastle United have been hampered by several defensive injuries heading into this semi-final. Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are all unavailable, while striker William Osula is also sidelined. Anthony Elanga remains a doubt after picking up a knock in recent action.
Despite those absences, Howe still has plenty of attacking options at his disposal. Harvey Barnes has been in scintillating form, scoring four goals in his last two appearances, and the winger is expected to start alongside Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in a dynamic front four.
In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes is likely to return to the starting XI after missing out last time, partnering Sandro Tonali at the heart of the side. Defensively, Lewis Miley could be deployed at right-back, with Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman forming the central partnership and Lewis Hall continuing at left-back following Valentino Livramento’s injury.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are dealing with a lengthy injury list of their own. John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Dias, Savinho and Oscar Bobb are all unavailable for selection.
With options limited at the back, Guardiola may once again turn to Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov as his centre-back pairing, while Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly are expected to operate in the full-back roles. Phil Foden, who was rested in the win over Exeter, is set to return to the starting lineup and could feature alongside Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Jeremy Doku in support of Erling Haaland.
Possible starting lineups
Newcastle United:
Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes; Wissa
Manchester City:
Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland
Prediction: tight first leg expected
With both sides in strong form and carrying genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy, this semi-final first leg promises to be a closely fought encounter. Newcastle’s outstanding home record and growing belief in big matches suggest they are capable of troubling Manchester City once again.
However, City’s experience, technical quality and attacking depth should ensure they remain competitive throughout and avoid defeat ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester City
