Newcastle United will host Manchester City in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at St James Park on Tuesday 13 january. The Magpies have been strong at home this season and are hoping to continue their impressive run against the Citizens.
Newcastle have already built anticipation for the fixture by teasing the clash on their official X handle,
Onto the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
while Softfootball’s coverage of recent form pointed to the kind of resilience on display when Rayan Cherki played a decisive role in Manchester City’s hard-fought win over a stubborn Nottingham Forest side.
The Magpies come into this clash off the back of a strong EFL Cup campaign, beating Bradford City 4–1, Tottenham 2–0, and Fulham 2–1 thanks to a 92nd-minute winner from Lewis Miley.
Newcastle 2-0 tottenham highlight;
Newcastle also have a solid record against City at St James’ Park, winning two, drawing one, and losing one of their last four home league games, alongside victories in their last two EFL Cup encounters.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 12 games across all competitions, including a 10–1 demolition of Exeter City.
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However, Guardiola’s men have struggled in this cup in recent seasons, going out early in multiple campaigns, and have also shown vulnerability in tight contests, as seen when a late strike earned Chelsea a dramatic draw at the Etihad.
Team News
Newcastle United’s Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, and William Osula are all out injured, while Anthony Elanga remains doubtful. Harvey Barnes has been in great form and is expected to start alongside Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, and Yoane Wissa. Bruno Guimarães is also expected to replace Jacob Ramsey in midfield.
Manchester City’s John Stones, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Rúben Dias, Savinho, and Oscar Bobb are all unavailable. Phil Foden could return in attack alongside Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Jérémy Doku, and Erling Haaland, while Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov are set to continue at centre-back.
Possible Lineups
Newcastle United Ramsdale; Miley Thiaw Botman Hall; Tonali Guimaraes; Gordon Woltemade Barnes Wissa
Manchester City; Nunes Khusanov Alleyne OReilly; Gonzalez; Cherki Foden Reijnders Doku Haaland
Prediction
Most reports from major sports platforms like ESPN, BBC Sport and Sky Sports suggest a tight contest Many tip the game to end in a draw 2-2 or 1-1 with both sides expected to score Newcastle will rely on their home strength while City will use their firepower to get a positive result in the first leg.
Where to watch
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports, while viewers in Nigeria can watch the Newcastle United vs Manchester City Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on SuperSport channels, including SuperSport Premier League Nigeria and SuperSport MaXimo 2.
