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

In partnership with

EPL Index

·13 Januari 2026

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

Man City defensive puzzle defines predicted lineup at Newcastle

Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park is framed less by form than by necessity. The holders travel north with a back line assembled from improvisation, injuries forcing Manchester City into creative solutions against Newcastle United. For Pep Guardiola, this is a test of structure as much as personnel, and the predicted lineup reflects that balance.

Photo IMAGO

Video OneFootball

City’s preparation has been shaped by a defensive crisis that removes certainty from selection. Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol are all unavailable, each absence carrying different implications for the system Guardiola prefers. Dias has a hamstring problem that will keep him out for “four to six weeks”, while Stones remains sidelined with a thigh issue. Gvardiol suffered the most severe setback, hobbling off against Chelsea with a broken leg.

Photo IMAGO

Injury list reshapes Man City options

The weekend’s 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City offered a glimpse of Guardiola’s short-term solutions. Max Alleyne started at centre back alongside Abdukodir Khusanov, with Nathan Ake deployed at left back despite his ability to operate centrally. Alleyne’s loan at Watford was cut short to address the shortage, and he marked his recall by opening the scoring at the Etihad.

Photo IMAGO

For the trip to Newcastle, the expectation is that Ake shifts inside to partner Khusanov, providing left-footed balance and experience. That move would allow Nico O’Reilly to return at left back, having also found the net from the bench at the weekend. On the opposite flank, Rico Lewis scored twice from right back against Exeter on a rare start, but Matheus Nunes is likely to be restored to the role for added physicality.

Midfield rotation clarifies predicted roles

In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma should reclaim his place after James Trafford was given minutes against Exeter. Ahead of him, Rodri continues his careful return from persistent niggles. He scored a piledriver at the weekend before being withdrawn at half time, a reminder of his importance even when managed cautiously.

Photo IMAGO

City’s midfield selection hints at a return to familiarity. Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders operated as the free No8s against Exeter, standing in for Phil Foden, who was given a complete rest. Foden’s freshness points towards a recall, likely alongside Bernardo Silva, restoring control and rhythm in possession.

Photo: IMAGO

Forward line likely to revert to first choices

Wide areas remain thin due to injuries to Savinho and Oscar Bobb. Ryan McAidoo played the full 90 minutes against the Grecians and scored, while January signing Antoine Semenyo enjoyed an ideal debut by netting City’s sixth. Yet this occasion demands experience. Jeremy Doku is expected to return on the left, with Cherki potentially used on the right if rotation is required.

Photo IMAGO

Erling Haaland did not score at the weekend and was replaced at the interval, a decision that looked precautionary rather than tactical. He should lead the line here, charged with providing an away goal that could tilt the tie.