Newcastle United predicted line-up vs Man City (4-3-3) | OneFootball

Newcastle United host Manchester City at St James’ Park on Tuesday night in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.

The Magpies are bidding to defend the trophy they lifted last season, while City are aiming to reclaim a competition they dominated for much of the previous decade.

With a place at Wembley Stadium on the line, Newcastle will be keen to take a lead into February’s return leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Match preview

Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for major silverware last season, defeating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to lift the trophy.

They brushed aside Bradford City and Tottenham Hotspur, before edging past Fulham in the quarter-finals thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Lewis Miley.

While Man City are in good form, Newcastle can draw confidence from recent meetings.

St James’ Park has become a fortress once again, with the Magpies unbeaten in their last 13 home matches.

That atmosphere could prove decisive in a finely balanced semi-final tie.

Match stats

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 13 home games in all competitions, winning ten and drawing three.

The Magpies have beaten Man City in both of their previous two League Cup meetings.

They have won three and drawn one of their last four matches, including a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Bournemouth.

However, Man City are unbeaten in their last 12 games, winning nine, but have not won at St James’ Park since January 2024.

Team news

Newcastle are dealing with several defensive injuries ahead of the first leg.

Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and William Osula are all sidelined, while Anthony Elanga remains a doubt after picking up a knock.

Harvey Barnes has been in electric form, scoring four goals in his last two appearances.

The winger is expected to start alongside Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade in a fast and furious attack. The ‘fantastic‘ Yoanne Wissa drops to the bench.

Bruno Guimaraes should return to the starting XI to partner Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in midfield, offering leadership and control against City’s press.

The back four is likely to be makeshift but familiar, with Lewis Miley continuing at right-back, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman forming the central pairing.

Lewis Hall should keep his place on the left after replacing Tino Livramento last time out. Howe will be hoping the 21-year-old can stay fit.

Aaron Ramsdale has started throughout Newcastle’s League Cup run and will likely retain his place between the posts.

Newcastle United predicted line-up (4-3-3)

Aaron Ramsdale; Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall; Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes.