Confirmed Line-Ups: Manchester City vs Newcastle United (Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg) | OneFootball

Manchester City will look to book their place in the Carabao Cup final for the first time in five years as they host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side enter the return leg of this semi-final tie in a commanding position, holding a 2-0 aggregate lead following a clinical performance at St. James’ Park three weeks ago. Goals from January arrivals Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki have put the Blues within touching distance of Wembley.

However, City arrive at this deciding leg looking to bounce back from a frustrating 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon. Despite Cherki and Semenyo putting the Blues two goals up, a second-half fightback from Thomas Frank’s side dented City’s momentum in the Premier League title race.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are enduring a testing period. Eddie Howe’s side suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at Anfield over the weekend and are currently grappling with a severe injury crisis that has depleted their midfield options.

The Magpies, who are the defending champions of this competition, face a monumental task to overturn the deficit at a stadium where they have lost on their last 11 visits.

In terms of team news, Manchester City remain without several long-term absentees including Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku. However, Ruben Dias has returned to training this week and Max Alleyne offers Guardiola the chance to rotate his backline. Rayan Cherki faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock in north London.

For the visitors, the task has been made harder by the confirmed absences of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Lewis Miley. Sven Botman is, however, fit enough to start in a boost for Howe’s defensive line.

Ahead of the 20:00 UK kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, both Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe have now confirmed their respective starting line-ups!

Manchester City

Starting XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Gonzalez, Reijnders, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Foden, Marmoush

Substitutes: Donnarumma, Dias, Haaland, Cherki, Rodri, Nypan, McAidoo, Alleyne, Lewis

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Tonali, Willock, Woltemade, Gordon

Substitutes: Pope, A Murphy, Shahar, Barnes, Elanga, J Murphy, Osula, Wissa, Neave