Newcastle Battle Through Injury Crisis to Face Man City: How the Magpies Will Line Up
Carabao Cup champions Newcastle United maintain their opportunity to defend their title, though Eddie Howe understands that securing a win on Tuesday is crucial to enhance their prospects of reaching the tournament's final for the third occasion since 2023.
Their 2–1 triumph against Liverpool at Wembley last March represented a monumental achievement for a club that had endured 70 years without claiming a significant domestic honor.
Duplicating that achievement in 2025–26 wasn't anticipated, given that no side has achieved consecutive Carabao Cup victories since Manchester City's period of supremacy in the tournament concluded in 2021. The Citizens serve as Newcastle's semi-final adversaries, and their poor away record at the Etihad has placed additional pressure on Tuesday's opening encounter.
Howe faces multiple defensive injury concerns ahead of hosting a formidable attacking unit, though the Newcastle manager typically extracts exceptional performances from his squad during crucial matches under floodlights.
Here's the potential Magpies formation for the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-3-3)
GK: Aaron Ramsdale—Nick Pope has regained his Premier League starting position in recent matches, though Ramsdale has featured throughout Newcastle's Carabao Cup campaign and was in goal during Saturday's eventful cup encounter.
RB: Kieran Trippier—Tino Livramento's hamstring problem should ensure the veteran full-back retains his position. Trippier will probably face numerous individual battles against speedster Jérémy Doku.
CB: Malick Thiaw—Thiaw is experiencing a difficult period after a promising beginning to his Newcastle tenure, but injury concerns mean he'll feature against the Citizens.
CB: Sven Botman—Botman has endured an injury-plagued stint on Tyneside, though he was previously considered essential to Howe's Newcastle setup. Fortunately for Tuesday's home team, the Dutch defender is available and expected to pair with Thiaw.
LB: Lewis Hall—Hall has impressed since returning from his injury problems, and he'll return to the starting eleven on Tuesday following his substitute appearance against Bournemouth.
CM: Bruno Guimarães—The Newcastle captain frequently delivers during important moments, and Newcastle need an inspirational display from Guimarães, who is admired by Pep Guardiola, in this fixture.
CM: Sandro Tonali—The tenacious Italian midfielder may have completed 120 minutes on Saturday, though Howe will probably expect Tonali to maintain his starting role for Man City's arrival.
CM: Joelinton—Joelinton was among multiple Newcastle players who endured extended appearances at the weekend, but the Brazilian typically serves as the Magpies' defensive catalyst against stronger opponents and will be needed here.
RW: Anthony Gordon—There could be alterations within Newcastle's attacking lineup, with Howe possibly deploying Gordon on the right wing.
ST: Nick Woltemade—Woltemade operated as an attacking midfielder against Bournemouth, supporting Yoane Wissa. We should witness the German return to a striker role against City's weakened backline.
LW: Harvey Barnes—Barnes emerged as Newcastle's match-winner in their 2–1 victory over the Citizens in November, and he's delivered crucial contributions for Howe's team in recent successes.
