EFL Cup: Newcastle vs Man City preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

As the defending champions of the competition, the Magpies are looking to take a significant step toward returning to Wembley and defending the trophy, while Pep Guardiola’s side aims to reach the final.

Newcastle United enter this fixture in high spirits after a dramatic FA Cup third-round victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. The Magpies played out a thrilling 3-3 draw before eventually triumphing 7-6 on penalties.

Eddie Howe’s men have been in prolific scoring form recently, having also secured high-scoring wins over Leeds United (4-3) and Crystal Palace (2-0) in the Premier League. 

Currently sitting comfortably in the European spots, Newcastle have turned St. James' Park into a fortress and their previous victory over City earlier this season will give them immense confidence.

Manchester City, meanwhile, recorded a staggering 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup last weekend to halt a frustrating run of three consecutive 1-1 draws in the Premier League. 

While the Citizens remain second in the table, they have struggled for defensive consistency in the absence of key personnel. 

With the title race heating up, City will see this cup semi-final as a vital opportunity to maintain momentum across all fronts.

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Recent meetings suggest that the gap between these two sides has closed significantly. Newcastle United recorded a famous 2-1 victory over Manchester City at St. James' Park in November 2025, with Harvey Barnes scoring a decisive double. 

While Manchester City have dominated the win-loss record, they have found it difficult to keep clean sheets against the Magpies lately. 

Both teams have scored (BTTS) in four of the last five encounters between these two clubs, and with both sides coming off high-scoring weekend fixtures, goals are expected once again on Tuesday night.

Newcastle United are facing a significant challenge at the back, with Daniel Burn, Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles all sidelined through injury, severely limiting Eddie Howe’s central defensive options. 

Full-back Emil Krafth is also unavailable, while Anthony Elanga and William Osula are ruled out higher up the pitch, reducing Newcastle’s pace and depth in attacking areas.

As a result, the Magpies may need to reshuffle their defensive unit and rely heavily on makeshift solutions and the leadership of their midfield to maintain balance.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are dealing with an uncharacteristic defensive injury crisis of their own. John Stones, Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol are all unavailable, leaving Pep Guardiola short of his preferred centre-back combinations. 

Mateo Kovačić’s absence weakens City’s midfield rotation, while the injuries to Oscar Bobb and Savinho reduce Guardiola’s wide attacking options. 

Despite these setbacks, City still boast considerable depth and are expected to dominate possession, with their remaining midfield and forward players tasked with compensating for the depleted defensive line.

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Ramsdale – Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Livramento – Tonali, Ramsey, Willock – Woltemade, Wissa, Barnes

Manchester City (4-3-3): Trafford – Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Aké – Rodri, Reijnders, McAidoo – Cherki, Haaland, Semenyo

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Given the defensive injuries in the Manchester City camp and Newcastle's incredible scoring streak at home, this should be a high-scoring affair. 

Newcastle have already proven they can beat this City side at St. James' Park this season, but Guardiola's team showed their attacking teeth in the 10-goal rout of Exeter. We expect a closely contested draw that leaves everything to play for in the second leg.