Man City vs Newcastle United: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Man City vs Newcastle United in Carabao Cup semi final second leg

Manchester City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday with a place at Wembley on the line and a 2-0 lead tucked safely in their back pocket. In cup football, two goals can feel generous and flimsy all at once, and Pep Guardiola knows better than anyone that the Carabao Cup has a habit of producing wild swings when a side believes early.

That advantage was built at St James’ Park thanks to Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, two moments of incision that cut through Newcastle’s back line and gave Man City a platform that should, in theory, be enough. Yet this Newcastle United team have form for defying the script, especially when they feel they have something to defend as reigning holders of the Carabao Cup.

Eddie Howe’s players also arrive with the curious boost of having impressed even in defeat. At Anfield last weekend they tore into Liverpool for 20 minutes and were good value for their opening goal before being overwhelmed in a 4-1 loss. In isolation that scoreline looks ugly, but it underlined how dangerous this Newcastle United side can be when their energy is high and their press clicks.

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Carabao Cup stakes at the Etihad

The Etihad Stadium has become a venue where visiting sides need more than bravery, they need a plan that survives contact with a team that monopolises the ball and space. City’s own form has flickered recently, most notably at Tottenham, where they were cruising before a late surge from the hosts and a spectacular Dominic Solanke scorpion kick turned a win into a draw.

That result left Man City six points adrift of Arsenal in the Premier League title race, which adds extra significance to this Carabao Cup tie. Guardiola will want a response, not just to steady the season, but to show that the hunger for silverware remains sharp.

Man City injury concerns and selection issues

City have moved to stabilise their defence with the signing of Marc Guehi, a necessary step after losing Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones to long term injuries. Max Alleyne has returned from Watford, though his performances have been uneven, and Guardiola confirmed last Friday that Dias would return to training this week.

There are, however, fresh worries. Jeremy Doku was injured again after being taken off in the 2-0 win over Galatasaray, Savinho remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, and Cherki took a knock at Spurs, although he could still be available.

Newcastle United fitness worries and attacking options

Newcastle United are in a similar boat. Joelinton is set to miss time with a groin injury, Lewis Miley and Sven Botman have been nursing minor knocks, and Emil Krafth remains out with a knee problem. Howe does at least have a decision to make in attack after Anthony Gordon led the line effectively at Anfield.

“It remains to be seen whether Howe will decide to plump for a greater physical presence up top and play Nick Woltemade, or he could continue with Gordon through the middle, flanked by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga or Jacob Murphy.”

Those choices will shape how Newcastle United try to chase the game, knowing they need goals and need them early.

City, for all their recent stumbles, still carry a ruthless edge at home. Wounded by Spurs and motivated by Wembley, they should have enough to manage this tie.

Prediction, Man City to win 3-1.