Lucky City: rules change allows Semenyo to play against Newcastle
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 13.01.26. | 15:58
The already stronger and more rested Manchester will have huge advantage over the Magpies
The rich get richer, the poor get poorer. This old saying can perfectly sum up Manchester City‘s football dealings in the last couple of days (but also since the Saudi ownership). The Abu Dhabi ownership took over and with various dealings and financial gymnastics created a wealthy club with huge revenue (which is now a subject of a serious court case). When the Premier League introduced PRS rules in order to stop Newcastle‘s new owners to pour money into the club, the Citizens were already on the top and can easily work withing the new rules. When the FA Cup pairs were drawn, clubs like Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Tottenham got each other. City got third-tier Exeter at home (didn‘t want to help them financially and play away), and Pep Guardiola could easily rest all his best players ahead of the much tougher duel – Carabao Cup semi-final with current holders Newcastle.
But that‘s not all – City managed to get the African jewel Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth at the start of the January transfer window and just got another benefit – EFL changed the rules, which now state that a player can represent a maximum of two clubs in one campaign, meaning Semenyo is free to face Newcastle in the first leg at St James’ Park on Tuesday. Another benefit for a rich club filled with rested stars. Unlike Newcastle, who are even richer but cannot spend as much due to PSR rules and also don‘t have City‘s luck with the draw. The Magpies didn‘t get Exeter City in the FA Cup but much stronger opponent – Bournemouth. Newcastle won on penalties, meaning they had to play 120 minutes of strong attacking football just three days before facing fully rested City‘s team with Semenyo.
“Yeah, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him. I have to say, that's probably one rule change I wouldn't be supportive of at this current moment. But Antoine's had an incredible season. I'm a big admirer of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a very, very good player“ said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are crippled with injuries at the back. Apart from already injured Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Jamal Lascelles and Emil Kraft they lost Tino Livramento during the Bournemouth game. Thanks to PSR rules, they cannot just go out and buy a new defender in January...unlike City, which can buy whoever they want after Joško Gvardiol got injured. So, young midfielder Lewis Miley will have to play right back again and face Jeremy Doku on the left.
CARABAO CUP SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday
23.00: (2.80) Newcastle (3.75) Man.City (2.45)
Wednesday
23.00: (3.20) Chelsea (3.40) Arsenal (2.25)
* odds are subject to change
