Newcastle United host Manchester City at St James’ Park on Tuesday night in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.The Magpies are bidding to defend the trophy they lifted last season, while City...
Newcastle United host Manchester City at St James’ Park on Tuesday night in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
The Magpies are bidding to defend the trophy they lifted last season, while City are aiming to reclaim a competition they dominated for much of the previous decade.
With a place at Wembley on the line, Newcastle will be keen to take a lead from Tyneside into February’s return leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Match preview
Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for major silverware last season, defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to lift the EFL Cup.
Their defence of the trophy has been impressive, brushing aside Bradford City and Tottenham Hotspur.
They then edged past Fulham in the quarter-finals thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Lewis Miley.
Now comes their toughest test yet. Man City arrive in their ominous second-half of the season form. Still, Newcastle can draw confidence from recent meetings.
St James’ Park has become a fortress once again, with the Magpies unbeaten in their last 13 home matches.
That atmosphere could prove decisive in a finely balanced semi-final tie.
Match stats
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 13 home games in all competitions, winning 10 and drawing three.
The Magpies have beaten Manchester City in both of their previous two EFL Cup meetings.
The Geordies have won three and drawn one of their last four matches, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
However, Man City are unbeaten in their last 12 games, winning nine, but have not won at St James’ Park since January 2024.
Team news
Newcastle are dealing with several defensive injuries ahead of the first leg.
Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and William Osula are all sidelined, while Anthony Elanga remains a doubt after picking up a knock.
Harvey Barnes has been in electric form, scoring four goals in his last two appearances.
The winger is expected to start alongside Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade in a fast and furious attack.
The ‘fantastic’ Yoanne Wissa drops to the bench as he continues to find match fitness.
In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes should return to the starting XI to partner Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, offering leadership and control against City’s press.
The back four is likely to be makeshift but familiar, with Lewis Miley continuing at right-back, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman forming the central pairing.
Lewis Hall should keep his place on the left after replacing the injured Tino Livramento last time out. Howe will be hoping the 21-year-old can stay fit.
Aaron Ramsdale has started throughout Newcastle’s EFL Cup run and will likely retain his place between the posts.
Newcastle United predicted line-up (4-3-3)
Aaron Ramsdale; Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall; Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes.
Category: General Sports
