Man City Starting XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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·4 février 2026

Man City Starting XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Man City predicted lineup for Carabao Cup semi final showdown

Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night knowing that control, rather than spectacle, is likely to define their route to Wembley. The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi final against Newcastle United arrives at a moment when Pep Guardiola is juggling form, fatigue and a mounting injury list.

City hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at St James’ Park, a result that allows Guardiola a degree of tactical flexibility but not complacency. Injuries have thinned the squad to the point where selection feels less about preference and more about sequencing risk across a congested calendar.

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Cherki fitness shapes attacking balance

The most delicate call centres on Rayan Cherki, who will be assessed close to kick off. The Frenchman scored his ninth City goal in all competitions during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, but was forced off after a heavy knock.

Photo IMAGO

There is optimism he could be passed fit, yet Guardiola has alternatives if caution prevails. Cherki has already lost time this season through injury, and there is little incentive to gamble given City’s aggregate lead. The most obvious replacement is Phil Foden, whose recent benchings have mirrored a dip in output rather than a loss of trust.

Foden offers the closest stylistic continuity, operating naturally as a central No10 and allowing City to remain in the familiar 4-2-3-1 that underpinned the first leg win. That structure gives Guardiola control of territory and tempo, a recurring theme in knockout ties where margins matter more than momentum.

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Marmoush and Semenyo offer Guardiola options

The return of Omar Marmoush from the Africa Cup of Nations broadens the attacking picture. He can deputise for Erling Haaland, support centrally, or drift from the left, a useful trait given the continued absence of Jeremy Doku.

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January signing Antoine Semenyo should retain his place regardless. His impact since arriving from AFC Bournemouth has been immediate, with four goals in five games including strikes against Spurs and Newcastle. Semenyo’s versatility has even allowed Guardiola to flirt with a front two, though the default remains width from the right.

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Midfield rotation and defensive crisis

Captain Bernardo Silva could be rested after a demanding winter, especially with Rodri available again. Options such as Nico O’Reilly, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders offer rotation without a major drop in control.

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It is defence where City feel most stretched. Ruben Dias has returned to training but may not be ready, John Stones remains sidelined, and Josko Gvardiol is out long term. January arrival Marc Guehi is unavailable due to registration rules.

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That leaves Nathan Ake likely partnering Abdukodir Khusanov, with Max Alleyne another option. Rayan Ait-Nouri continues at left back, Matheus Nunes fills in on the right, and Rico Lewis waits in reserve.