A blockbuster League Cup semi-final first leg takes centre stage at St James’ Park this Tuesday as holders Newcastle United play host to eight-time winners Manchester City.
Newcastle, who ended a 70-year major trophy drought by defeating Liverpool 2–1 in the final last March, are aiming to become the first side since Manchester City (2021) to successfully retain the crown. Eddie Howe’s men enter the tie on a formidable 13-game unbeaten run at home.
This streak includes a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday. Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive fresh from a clinical 10-1 demolition of Exeter City but are looking to snap a sequence of three consecutive Premier League draws. Pep Guardiola’s side has not lifted this trophy since their four-year dominant run ended in 2021.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
- Last Meeting: Newcastle 2–1 Manchester City, 22 Nov 2025, Premier League
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe faces a defensive selection crisis. Valentino Livramento is set for a scan after sustaining a hamstring injury on Saturday, joining Fabian Schär (ankle), Dan Burn (rib), Emil Krafth (knee), and Jamaal Lascelles (muscle) on the sidelines. Anthony Elanga is also a major doubt with a knock. In positive news, Harvey Barnes is in “red hot” form with four goals in his last two games and is expected to lead a front four alongside Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, and Yoane Wissa.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola continues to navigate a significant injury list, confirming that Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), Ruben Dias (hamstring), John Stones (muscle), and Mateo Kovacic (ankle) are all unavailable. Savinho and Oscar Bobb also remain in rehabilitation for hamstring and knock issues. Left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is available after returning from AFCON duty, but is unlikely to start to avoid injury risks. New signing Antoine Semenyo is eligible to feature after scoring on his debut against Exeter.
Form
Newcastle United
The Magpies have won their last three Premier League matches since a Boxing Day defeat and currently sit sixth in the table. Historically, Newcastle boast a 100% progression record from League Cup semi-finals, the best in the competition’s history. They have also beaten Manchester City in their last two League Cup encounters, including a 1-0 win at this ground in September 2023.
Manchester City
The Citizens are undefeated in their last 12 matches across all competitions, winning nine of those outings. However, they have stuttered recently in the league, falling six points behind leaders Arsenal after three consecutive draws. Guardiola has a perfect record in this competition’s semi-finals, progressing on all six occasions he has reached this stage with City.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted XI: Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes; Wissa
Manchester City predicted XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland
How to watch Newcastle vs Manchester City?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning ahead of the 20:00 GMT kick-off.
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