Newcastle Set to Battle Man City: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
The Carabao Cup semi-final action begins Tuesday evening as Manchester City travel to face defending champions Newcastle United in the opening leg of their clash.
Pep Guardiola's team previously ruled this tournament, but the eight-time champions haven't reached the final since their most recent triumph in 2021.
Newcastle, on the other hand, were runners-up in 2023 before ultimately breaking their 70-year drought for a major domestic title last March. Eddie Howe's squad secured a 2–1 win over eventual Premier League winners Liverpool in the Wembley final, and they remain in contention to defend their title.
The Magpies have overcome teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham en route to the semi-finals, and they approach Tuesday's match following a four-match winning streak. On Saturday, they needed a penalty shootout to eliminate Bournemouth in an exciting FA Cup third round encounter.
Such excitement was nowhere to be found at the Etihad as City demolished League One side Exeter City 10-1 to progress to the fourth round. Guardiola's Citizens have struggled in their attempt to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table in 2026, and their current six-point disadvantage suggests the Carabao Cup might offer their strongest opportunity for silverware this season.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Tuesday's semi-final opening leg.
What Time Does Newcastle vs. Man City Kick Off?
Newcastle vs. Man City Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Newcastle | Man City |
|---|---|
Newcastle 3–3 (7–6p) Bournemouth - 10/01/26 | Man City 10–1 Exeter - 10/01/26 |
Newcastle 4–3 Leeds - 07/01/26 | Man City 1–1 Brighton - 07/01/26 |
Newcastle 2–0 Crystal Palace - 04/01/26 | Man City 1–1 Chelsea - 04/01/26 |
Burnley 1–3 Newcastle - 30/12/25 | Sunderland 0–0 Man City - 01/01/26 |
Man Utd 1–0 Newcastle - 26/12/25 | Nottingham Forest 1–2 Man City - 27/12/25 |
How to Watch Newcastle vs. Man City on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland, Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, STV Player |
United States | Paramount+ |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | ESPN2 Mexico, Disney+ Premium Mexico |
Newcastle Team News
Tino Livramento picked up a hamstring problem in Saturday's FA Cup victory and remains questionable for Tuesday's fixture, with the defender scheduled for a scan on Monday. His potential absence should ensure veteran Kieran Trippier retains his place, while the impressive Lewis Hall will continue on the left flank.
Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon all came off the substitutes' bench over the weekend, but are expected to return to the starting eleven in midweek. Lewis Miley could also feature in Howe's midfield setup.
The home side remains without Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, Emil Krafth, William Osula and Jamaal Lascelles, while summer signing Anthony Elanga is dealing with a minor injury.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Newcastle predicted lineup vs. Man City (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes.
Man City Team News
Most of Man City's fitness concerns are concentrated in their defensive ranks. Guardiola is presently missing Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias for an extended period, while John Stones is recovering from a thigh problem. The defensive shortage prompted the early return of Max Alleyne from his Watford loan spell, with the young player finding the net during the weekend's comprehensive victory.
Nathan Aké is expected to form a partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov in the center of City's defense at St. James' Park, while Nico O'Reilly and Matheus Nunes are set to operate as the starting fullbacks.
Omar Marmoush is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, but Guardiola has more options available in the attacking third. Erling Haaland is fully refreshed, and we anticipate seeing Rayan Cherki collaborate with Phil Foden in the middle of the park.
New acquisition Antoine Semenyo is eligible to play due to recent rule modifications, though Jérémy Doku is likely to start on the left wing. Savinho and Oscar Bobb remain unavailable.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle
Man City predicted lineup vs. Newcastle (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Aké, O'Reilly; Rodri; Bernardo, Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Newcastle vs. Man City Score Prediction
Newcastle certainly would have favored hosting the return leg, similar to their semi-final against Arsenal last season, and Howe understands his team must establish an advantage to take to Manchester next month.
Although they typically face significant challenges at City's fortress, Newcastle have caused problems for Guardiola's side at home. In November, Harvey Barnes led a 2–1 Premier League victory.
Both clubs are dealing with defensive injuries, and a City attack that was devastating over the weekend might be eager for another feast. Nevertheless, evening visits to St. James' Park are rarely pleasant experiences, and Newcastle's urgency for a first-leg advantage could propel the home team to a narrow victory that keeps the tie completely open.
Prediction: Newcastle 2–1 Man City