Manchester City vs Newcastle United – Expected Starting XI

Manchester City heads to Tyneside tonight, aiming to win the League Cup for the first time since 2021.

Pep Guardiola’s team is at a key point in the season and remains unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions. Their recent form includes an impressive 10-1 win against Exeter City. However, they are dealing with several injuries in their defense as they face the current champions at a venue where they lost 2-1 in the league earlier this season.

Manchester City Team News

Pep Guardiola currently has six senior players unavailable. Josko Gvardiol will be out for months due to a tibial fracture. Ruben Dias is expected to be out until late February with a hamstring injury. John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho, and Oscar Bobb are also unavailable. Rayan Ait-Nouri is back from AFCON but likely won’t play due to a missed travel connection and insufficient recovery time.

As a result, squad rotation is likely. James Trafford is expected to continue as the cup goalkeeper. Defensively, young players Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne may form a new partnership. Nico O’Reilly is expected to start in the left-back position. In midfield, Rodri will provide stability. Phil Foden, Rayane Cherki, and Jeremy Doku will support key striker Erling Haaland.

Manchester City Predicted Lineup

Manchester City predicted XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland

When will the match kick off?

The League Cup semi-final first leg will be held at St James’ Park on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT.

How to watch Newcastle United vs Manchester City?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports.

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