Manchester City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night with one foot already in the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 first-leg win at St James’ Park. Pep Guardiola’s side only need to avoid a two-goal defeat to book a Wembley date, but recent form suggests this will not be a straightforward night.
City were pegged back after leading 2-0 against Spurs at the weekend, a result that exposed lingering issues in 2026 and was analysed by SoftFootball after the entertaining draw in north London. Newcastle arrive under pressure after a heavy 4-1 loss at Liverpool that underlined their inconsistency and defensive fragility away from home.
That setback, covered in detail by SoftFootball, has left Eddie Howe’s side needing a near-perfect performance to keep their title defence alive. Despite the challenge, Newcastle remain holders of the trophy and know an early goal could shift the tone of the tie.
Guardiola has tried to ease expectations by focusing on development rather than silverware. He explained his mindset calmly before the game in a post shared by the club’s official X account, stressing growth over outcomes.
He said:
We are not playing for trophies, but for how the team grows.
Howe, by contrast, leaned into belief. After addressing the disappointment of conceding late in the first leg, he insisted his players must be brave in a post shared by the club’s official X account.
He said:
We have to have that belief. The second goal in the first game was a big disappointment but we have the talent, we believe in ourselves.
He also clarified Newcastle’s quiet January window by admitting:
We were left with no other option… we have to be smart and we have decided to wait until the summer.
Team News
City are without Doku, Savinho, Gvardiol, Stones, Kovacic and likely Ruben Dias, while Rayan Cherki will be assessed late. Marc Guehi is cupped. Newcastle are missing Guimaraes, Joelinton, Schar, Livramento, Krafth and Lascelles, with Miley doubtful. Sven Botman is expected to return.
Possible Lineups
Manchester City: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Bernardo; Semenyo, Haaland.
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Newcastle should approach the game aggressively, but City’s two-goal cushion and home record give them control. Expect resistance and moments of pressure, yet City’s depth should be enough.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Newcastle United.
