Man City vs Newcastle: Team news, predicted line-ups and semi-final preview

February 04, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Man City vs Newcastle: Team news, predicted line-ups and semi-final preview

A place in the Carabao Cup final is on the line as Manchester City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The Citizens hold a commanding advantage after a composed 2-0 first-leg win at St James' Park, putting Pep Guardiola's side firmly in control of the tie.

Match context

City have one foot in the final, thanks not only to their two-goal cushion but also to the clean sheet secured away from home.

Avoiding conceding an away goal in the first leg could prove decisive in a knockout tie where margins are slim.

Newcastle, meanwhile, face an uphill battle.

They must score at least twice and improve on recent performances that have lacked defensive solidity and midfield control.

Manchester City team news

City's squad rotation options are shaped by a number of absentees.

Defensive and midfield depth is stretched, but the overall quality available remains elite.

Unavailable:
Joško Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, John Stones, Mateo Kovačić, Rayan Cherki, Jérémy Doku, Savinho.

That opens the door for fringe and rotational players to step in around key pillars like Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.

City were recently held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur despite 60% possession and 90% passing accuracy - numbers that highlight control, but also a slight drop in attacking efficiency, with limited big chances created.

Predicted Manchester City XI (4-1-4-1):

Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rodri; Semenyo, Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Foden; Haaland.

Newcastle United team news

Recent form has been inconsistent for Newcastle, and injuries have hit hard at the back.

Unavailable:
Joelinton, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Valentino Livramento.

Defensive errors have been costly, including issues in ground duels and positioning in their recent heavy league defeat.

The midfield trio must raise their level to support both defence and attack.

Predicted Newcastle XI (4-3-3):

Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Willock; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.

Form guide

Manchester City - Last 5 Matches

Tottenham 2-2 Man City
Man City 2-0 Galatasaray
Man City 2-0 Wolves
Bodø/Glimt 3-1 Man City
Man United 2-0 Man City

Newcastle - Last 5 Matches

Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle
PSG 1-1 Newcastle
Newcastle 0-2 Aston Villa
Newcastle 3-0 PSV
Wolves 0-0 Newcastle

City's home strength and European-level control contrast sharply with Newcastle's recent defensive fragility.

Head-to-head snapshot

City have historically dominated this fixture, particularly at the Etihad, where Newcastle have struggled to impose themselves.

City's tactical control, depth and experience in two-legged ties give them a clear psychological edge.

Tactical outlook

City's approach: Controlled possession, structured build-up through Rodri, width from Foden, and direct threat from Haaland.

Newcastle's task: Higher press, quicker transitions and greater physicality in midfield to disrupt City's rhythm.

If Newcastle open up too early, City's counter-attacking quality could effectively end the tie.

FAQ

When is Manchester City vs Newcastle taking place?

The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Newcastle United is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 February 2026, with kick-off at 8:00 PM GMT.

What was the first-leg result?

Manchester City won 2-0 away in the first leg at St James' Park, giving them a strong advantage heading into this fixture.

What do Newcastle need to qualify?

Newcastle must win by at least two goals to level the tie and force extra time, or by three goals to qualify outright, depending on competition rules.