The first leg of the English League Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City will take place on 13 january at St James' Park. Newcastle United vs Manchester City: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United struggled to reach the semi-final. At the previous stage the club only managed to break Fulham's resistance thanks to a stoppage-time goal (2:1). Before that the home side beat another Premier League opponent, Tottenham Hotspur (2:0). Thus, the club's winning run in the English League Cup has reached nine matches. This club won the trophy in this competition last season, and it is worth adding that over the past four years the team has reached the semi-final for the third time.
- The club's unbeaten run in regular time in this competition already stands at 13 matches – 11 wins and 2 draws.
- Newcastle United scored at least two goals in each of their last eight English League Cup games.
- At home in this competition the team has a run of 11 consecutive wins.
Potential Newcastle United Lineup (4-3-3)*
Aaron Ramsdale – Lewis Miley, Fabian Schär, Valentino Livramento, Malik Tiaw – Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey – Yoan Vissa, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy.
Due to injuries the match will be missed by forward William Osula, defenders Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schär and Emil Krafth. The participation of midfielder Anthony Elanga, defender Jamal Lascelles and Dan Burn is in doubt (after injuries).
Manchester City
Manchester City, like their opponents, progressed through the previous three rounds without requiring extra time. However, the opponents were noticeably easier, and the club only faced a Premier League side at the previous stage, when they beat Brentford at home 2:0. For Manchester City reaching the semi-final is the best result in this competition in the last five editions. Moreover, since the 2017/18 season the club won the English League Cup trophy four times in a row.
- The team conceded in 6 of their last 8 matches in this competition.
- No more than three goals were scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 7 League Cup matches.
- The club failed to score more than two goals in 6 of their last 7 matches in this competition.
Potential Manchester City Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
James Trafford – Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Husanov, Nathan Ake, Nico O'Reilly – Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders – Oscar Bobb, Ryan Cherki, Savinho – Divine Mukasa.
Defenders John Stones, Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol, as well as midfielders Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovačić, are unavailable due to injuries. Forward Omar Marmoush remains on international duty. Midfielder Savinho may miss the match due to an injury. Also note the transfer of forward Antoine Semenyo, who moved from Bournemouth.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 6 (FA Cup and English League Cup, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 26;
Average Yellow Cards Per Match – 4.3;
Red Cards Shown – 0;
Fouls Per Match On Average – 23;
Penalties – 50%.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City: Match Prediction
Newcastle United is one of the most successful clubs in this competition in recent years. The team has consistently reached the late stages (four consecutive quarter-final appearances), which led to their trophy win last season. On their way last campaign the club beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. We believe that this year the team will make every effort to win, especially since a serious challenge in the Premier League looks unlikely.
At home in the English League Cup Newcastle United have not lost in 19 consecutive matches (15 wins and 4 draws). It is very likely that this time they will at least avoid defeat, especially given Manchester City's significant problems with injured players, particularly in the defensive line.
Considering the hosts' attacking potential, it will be incredibly difficult for Manchester City even to draw. By the way, in the three previous Premier League matches the visitors failed to win any game largely due to the absence of many players. It is also worth noting that in the first half of the season Newcastle United managed to beat Manchester City at their stadium 2:1.
Prediction: Newcastle United To Win Or Draw
* For each team the starting lineup shown is from their last match in this tournament.
