The second leg of the semi-final of the English League Cup between Manchester City and Newcastle United will take place on February 4 at Etihad Stadium. The score of the first match was 2:0 in favor of Manchester City. Manchester City vs Newcastle United: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Manchester City
Manchester City unexpectedly won the first meeting easily, beating the opponent at their ground 2:0. Note that both goals were scored after the break. The winning run in this competition for the home side now stands at four matches. The home side also conceded just one goal in those games. If the home side do not lose by more than one goal, they will reach the English League Cup final for the first time since the 2020/21 season.
- The club has not drawn in regulation time in this competition in 10 consecutive matches (7 wins and 3 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 5 of Manchester City's last 6 English League Cup matches.
- The home side's winning run at home in this cup stands at six matches.
Potential Manchester City Lineup (4-5-1)*
James Trafford – Abdukodir Khusanov, Max Ellini, Mateus Nunes, Nathan Ake – Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Nico O'Reilly, Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo – Erling Haaland.
Defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, forward Jeremy Doku, as well as midfielders Savinho and Mateo Kovacic are unavailable due to injuries. Note the transfers of midfielder Oscar Bobb to Fulham and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United, it should be recalled, are the current winners of the English League Cup after beating Liverpool in the last edition. In 2022/23 they also reached the final but then failed to overcome Manchester United. Reaching a third final in the last four editions will be incredibly difficult, as a large away win is required. At the same time, a two-goal victory would send the tie into extra time. It is also worth noting that the visitors' long nine-match winning run in this cup was ended in the first leg of the semi-final.
- In the previous 14 matches in this competition the club suffered just 1 defeat (11 wins and 2 draws).
- Newcastle United scored at least two goals in 8 of their last 9 English League Cup games.
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 6 of the club's previous 7 matches in this competition.
Potential Newcastle United Lineup (4-3-3)*
Nick Pope – Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, Lewis Hall, Malik Thiaw – Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey – Yoan Vissa, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy.
Due to injuries, defenders Fabian Schar, Valentino Livramento and Emil Krafth, as well as midfielder Joelinton, will miss the game.
Referee
Tony Harrington (England)
Matches – 13 (the Premier League, 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (Including Second Yellows) – 41;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 3.2;
Red Cards Shown – 1;
Fouls Per Match On Average – 20;
Penalties – 8%.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United: Match Prediction
Since the 2017/18 season, the home side have won the English League Cup four times in a row. Judging by the current results, Josep Guardiola is once again setting his players up for success in this competition. Considering the first-leg victory, Manchester City are likely to reach the final again. To avoid a mistake in the second match, the club will certainly not rely solely on the outcome at St James' Park. We believe that the home side will be stronger in the return meeting.
Moreover, the game will take place at Etihad Stadium, where the hosts have six consecutive English League Cup wins. In addition, since September last year Manchester City have played 17 official matches at their stadium, winning 14 of them. It is also worth noting how the home side perform against this opponent on their own ground. In the last 11 head-to-head meetings played in the Premier League and the FA Cup, Manchester City did not drop a single point at home against Newcastle United, winning all of those matches. Interestingly, the last 7 encounters at this stadium ended as clean-sheet victories for the hosts.
Prediction: Manchester City to win
* For each team, the starting lineup shown is from their previous match in this competition.
