Newcastle United will lock horns against Manchester City in the first leg of their EFL Cup semifinal clash on Tuesday night at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies are the defending champions and are out to keep their hope of a title defense alive against a City side who have not lifted the title since the 2020/21 season. Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in last seasons final, ending their 70-year wait for a major trophy.
Eddie Howe’s side need to make a positive start in the first leg and look to win at home. The two teams will battle it out at the Etihad in early February in the second leg, hoping to book a place in the final.
Their recent impressive record against Peo Guardiola’s City will definitely give their confidence a boost ahead of this highly anticipated encounter. They have only lost one of their last four home games against Man City. Newcastle are also unbeaten at home in their last 13 games.
City on the other hand, are coming off an astounding 10-1 demolition of Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend. However, they need to be at their best to snap their recent run of poor shows in the competition.
Guardiola’s side have suffered fourth round exits in the 2021/22 and 2024/25 season. City were also beaten in the quarterfinals of the 2022/23 season, subjected to a shock 2-0 defeat to Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
However, they have had an admirable run of results in this seasons competition against Huddersfield, Swansea and Brentford. These victories have secured their first semifinal appearance since winning four consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021.
This will be a true test of both teams character and with the hope of a title on the line, we can expect a blockbuster encounter. Our team has a look at the key details of the match and offers a predicted outcome.
What time does the game start?
The match kicks off at 11PM E.A.T
Newcastle vs Man City team news
The hosts have a number of injury concerns ahead of the game, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar the main defensive absentees.
Bruno Guimaraes is set to replace Jacob Ramsey in the starting XI, alongside Sandro Tonali. Anthony Gordon will start here as well.
Harvey Barnes has scored four goals in his last two games and will be key to the Magpies attack. Nick Woltemade is primed to start, with Yoanne Wissa settling for a place on the bench.
As for City, they remain without Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Savinho and Oscar Bobb all due to injury concerns.
Phil Foden is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested against Exeter, with Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov retaining their partnership in the back line.
Erling Haaland did not get in on the goalscoring action against Exeter despite starting the game. The Norwegian forward is expected to retain his spot.
Newcastle vs Man City head-to-head and current form
A 1-0 loss to Manchester United in the Premier League is Newcastles only defeat in their last five matches. This as well as their 2-1 win the last time they faced City, will boost their morale ahead of the clash.
City have failed to win at St. James’ Park in their last two attempts. However they come into this game on an exemplary run of form, unbeaten in their last 12 outings.
Current form:
Newcastle – DWWWL
Man City – WDDDW
Newcastle vs Man City previous games:
- Newcastle 2-1 Man City (Nov 22, 2025)
- Man City 4-0 Newcastle (Feb 15, 2025)
- Newcastle 1-1 Man City (Sept 28, 2024)
- Man City 2-0 Newcastle (March 16, 2024)
- Newcastle 2-3 Man City (Jan 13, 2024)
Newcastle vs Man City prediction
There has not been a goalless encounter between these two teams in the last two decades and that trend will continue here.
Both teams are expected to score at least a goal, and with a second leg on the horizon, Newcastle may be favorites to take an advantage to the Etihad next month.
However, over 2.5 goals provides the best wager for the game.