Doku Edges Out Fresh Recruit Semenyo in Man City's Predicted Starting XI Against Newcastle
Manchester City typically ease off their opponents once they establish a comfortable advantage, but Exeter City experienced the full force of the Citizens' anger over the weekend.
A series of draws to begin 2026 led the Sky Blues to unleash their frustration during their FA Cup third round match, refusing to ease up at four, five, or six goals. They continued pushing until reaching 10 goals against League One opposition, with Rico Lewis netting his second strike in added time to reach double figures.
Pep Guardiola's squad maintains aspirations for the biggest trophies this season, though victory in domestic cup tournaments seems more achievable currently, despite traveling to St. James' Park on Tuesday evening without their top three central defenders.
City understand the difficulties that an evening fixture on Tyneside presents, and avoiding loss in Tuesday's opening leg would significantly enhance their prospects of making the Carabao Cup final.
Here's how Man City might set up against Newcastle at St. James'.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—James Trafford received a rare opportunity over the weekend, but first-choice keeper Donnarumma will return to the lineup for the semi-final's first leg.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Lewis found the net twice over the weekend and has made his case for a midweek starting role, but Portuguese star Nunes continues as Guardiola's preferred right-back option.
CB: Abdukodir Khusanov—The Uzbekistan defender faces a crucial period in the coming weeks due to injuries affecting Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias.
CB: Nathan Aké—Max Alleyne has shown promise since returning from loan, but veteran Aké, who can also play left-back, should move centrally to partner Khusanov.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—O'Reilly was among several players rested over the weekend, and he'll certainly be brought back into the starting eleven on Tyneside.
CM: Rodri—Nico González has performed admirably while filling in for the Ballon d'Or recipient this season, but City urgently require Rodri's peak performance during the coming weeks in this injury-plagued campaign.
RW: Bernardo Silva—With Savinho and Oscar Bobb sidelined through injury, the versatile Bernardo Silva will likely return to the starting formation.
AM: Phil Foden—Foden has been somewhat overshadowed recently, but his connection with Cherki appears to be developing positively.
AM: Rayan Cherki—Despite completing the full 90 minutes over the weekend, the skillful French player should keep his spot against Newcastle's robust midfield.
LW: Jérémy Doku—Antoine Semenyo offers strong competition for Doku, who performed exceptionally during the season's opening half. The Ghanaian will likely start on the bench, though both players could feature during Tuesday's opening leg.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland has appeared slightly below his usual standards in recent matches and couldn't score over the weekend. City fans will hope his historically poor record against the Magpies doesn't continue across these two fixtures.
