In the English League Cup semi-finals on February 4, 2026, the second leg between Manchester City and Newcastle United will take place. Only a miracle can help the visitors reach the final round.
Our Prediction for Manchester City vs Newcastle United
A year ago, Guardiola spent record sums by football standards in an attempt to save the season. Ultimately, the team managed to finish third in the Premier League, but their campaigns in other competitions ended unsuccessfully. Things are not going smoothly this season either. There were setbacks in the Champions League group stage, but City finished with a 2-0 win. More importantly, in the Premier League, after closing the gap on Arsenal, City began to drop points regularly—such as a 0-2 loss in the Manchester derby and a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the last round.
The club from St. James’ Park won the last League Cup—a first trophy in a long time. They also secured fifth place in the Premier League ahead of Aston Villa, which allowed them to return to the Champions League, where the English side managed to reach the playoffs this time. However, their domestic Premier League campaign started poorly. By mid-winter, Newcastle had almost caught up with their rivals, but then they drew with Bournemouth and Wolves, and even lost to Aston Villa and Liverpool.
In the League Cup, Haaland and company started against weaker opponents—defeating Huddersfield and Swansea, and had no issues with Brentford, finishing 2-0. Newcastle began their title defense by crushing Bradford, then beat Tottenham 2-0 and Fulham 2-1. But in the semi-final home leg, they could not respond to a pair of goals from their opponents.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United: Key Stats and Trends
Manchester City have won four of their last nine matches
On average, Manchester City score 2.04 goals and concede 0.96 goals per match
46% of Manchester City’s matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 3.0 goals per match
Newcastle United are winless in their last six matches
On average, Newcastle score 1.38 goals and concede 1.38 goals per match
58% of Newcastle United’s matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 2.75 goals per match.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United: Probable Starting Lineups
Manchester City (probable lineup): Trafford – Ake, Allain, Khusanov, Matheus Nunes – Doku, O’Riley, Bernardo Silva, Reijnders, Semenyo – Makaido
Newcastle United (probable lineup): Pope – Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Miley – Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Ramsey – Gordon, Wissa, J. Murphy
Previous Matches: Manchester City vs Newcastle United
In their last six meetings, City have won four times with one loss.
