Manchester City carry a healthy two-goal advantage as they prepare to host Newcastle in the second leg of their EFL Cup semifinal clash on Wednesday night.
New signing Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki were both on target at St. James’ Park, with City simply needing to avoid defeat by a 2+ goal margin to book a place in the final.
If they make it to Wembley, it will be Man City’s first final appearance since winning a fourth consecutive title in 2021.
Pep Guardiola’s charges lost back to back games after their first leg victory, but seem to have rediscovered their form. They come into the game on a three-match unbeaten run, confident they can get a win here.
Newcastle on the other hand are on an opposite run of form, without a win in their last three games. With only one win in their last six games, there is plenty of pressure for a positive performance here.
The Magpies ended a 70-year drought by winning the EFL Cup last season. However, their chances of defending the title look very slim heading into this highly anticipated encounter.
Our team has a look at all the key details ahead of the match as we offer our predicted outcome as well.
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Team news
Cherki is the main concern after limping off the pitch in the draw against Tottenham, meaning Phil Foden will return to the starting line-up.
Semenyo has five goal contributions since joining City and is expected to retain his place, with Tijani Reijnders coming into the starting XI as well.
Erling Haaland’s goal drought continues and he may have to settle for a place on the bench. Omar Marmoush will start to lead the attacking line.
For the visitors, they remain without Bruno Guimaraes who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Anthony Gordon was on target over the weekend and will start here, alongside Harvey Barnes with Nick Woltemade being the main man in the visitors attack.
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Head-to-head and current form
Both sides have lost twice in their last five outings and need to establish a more consistent run of form if they are to have a shot at any silverware this season.
The last five times these sides have gone up against each other, City have won three times, compared to Newcastles one win. Only one game has resulted in a draw.
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Current form
Man City – WDWLL
Newcastle – LDLWD
Previous games
– Newcastle 0-2 Man City (January 13, 2026)
– Newcastle 2-1 Man City (November 22, 2025)
– Man City 4-0 Newcastle (February 15, 2025)
– Newcastle 1-1 Man City (September 28, 2024)
– Man City 2-0 Newcastle (March 16, 2024)
Prediction
The hosts have been superior in recent matches and are expected to take full advantage of their 2-0 lead here. City will score at least one goal in the game.
Newcastle have been shaky and their form very inconsistent, however they do not lack goals and are tipped to at least get on the scoresheet.
Prediction – Man City to win
Photo: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
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