BETTING GUIDE: Newcastle United vs Manchester City, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 13.01.26. | 10:40
Newcastle are bidding to defend the trophy they famously lifted last season, while Manchester City arrive determined to reclaim a competition they once dominated but have not won since 2020-21
Newcastle United and Manchester City lock horns at St. James’ Park on Tuesday night in a highly-anticipated EFL Cup semi-final.
It is a clash layered with recent history, contrasting motivations and genuine silverware implications.
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Newcastle are bidding to defend the trophy they famously lifted last season, while Manchester City arrive determined to reclaim a competition they once dominated but have not won since 2020-21.
With a place at Wembley on the line in the final, the opening encounter on Tyneside sets the tone for what promises to be a tense and tactical affair.
Newcastle will be eager to build a cushion before the return leg at the Etihad Stadium in early February, while City’s priority will be to avoid defeat and take control of the tie back to Manchester.
Newcastle come into this fixture in encouraging form across competitions.
Eddie Howe’s side have won three and drawn one of their last four matches, including a dramatic FA Cup victory over Bournemouth that required penalties after a 3-3 draw.
In their last five outings, the Magpies have scored freely, averaging over two goals per game, but they have also shown defensive vulnerability, conceding in four of those matches.
Newcastle are particularly strong at home, where they are unbeaten in their last 13 games at St. James’ Park, recording 10 wins and three draws.
That home resilience has been a defining feature of their cup runs in recent seasons.
Team news, however, is mixed for the holders. Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and William Osula remain sidelined, while Anthony Elanga is a doubt.
Despite those absences, Newcastle still possess significant attacking firepower. Harvey Barnes has been in electric form, scoring four goals in his last two appearances, while Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade provide pace and penetration from wide and central areas.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are expected to anchor midfield, offering both control and progressive passing.
Manchester City arrive on Tyneside on the back of an impressive unbeaten run of 12 matches in all competitions, winning nine and drawing three.
Their most recent outing, a staggering 10-1 demolition of Exeter City in the FA Cup, underlined their attacking depth, even with heavy rotation.
Over their last five matches, City have scored regularly while keeping goals conceded relatively low, although clean sheets have not been consistent away from home.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already navigated past Huddersfield, Swansea and Brentford to reach this semi-final, marking their first appearance at this stage since their four-title streak ended in 2021.
Injuries remain a concern for City, particularly in defensive areas. Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are all unavailable, which has forced Guardiola into makeshift solutions at the back.
Nevertheless, City’s attacking quality remains elite.
Erling Haaland, despite a recent quiet spell, has 26 goals in 28 appearances this season, while Phil Foden is expected to return after being rested in the FA Cup.
Creative support from Rayan Cherki and the direct threat of the likes of Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo adds further danger.
Looking at the head-to-head, this fixture has been more competitive than City might like.
Newcastle have won two of the last four home meetings, including a 2-1 Premier League victory in November, and they have beaten City in their last two EFL Cup encounters.
Goals are often a feature, with BTTS landing in half of the recent meetings and an average of nearly three goals per game.
Key Betting Pointers;
The Citizens have shown defensive frailties, conceding in four of their previous five games.
Newcastle have managed only one clean sheet across their last 10 matches in all competitions.
The Magpies have found the net at least twice in each of their last four fixtures.
Both teams have scored in seven of Manchester City’s last 10 away games at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s attacking momentum at home, combined with City’s relentless scoring power and defensive absences, points towards an open contest.
Prediction: Both teams to score (BTTS)
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