Newcastle United vs Man City: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch

Newcastle vs Man City Carabao Cup semi-final stakes sharpen focus

The Carabao Cup often reveals the deeper truths of a season, and this semi-final between Newcastle United and Manchester City feels loaded with consequence. The holders arrive on Tyneside with their domestic authority lightly questioned, six points adrift of Arsenal in the league and searching for momentum against elite opposition. Newcastle, meanwhile, view this competition as a genuine route back to Wembley, even as their resources are stretched to breaking point.

City steadied themselves at the weekend by brushing aside Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup. It was a reminder of the depth and sharpness that still exists within Pep Guardiola’s squad. A new January signing marked his debut with a goal, while Rodri underlined his importance again with a thunderous strike, continuing his return from injury. Those details matter because this tie will likely hinge on control and composure rather than pure spectacle.

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Carabao Cup context and semi-final pressure

A two-legged semi-final alters the psychology. Newcastle’s home advantage tonight carries extra weight given the return fixture to come, while City know that managing risk is as vital as seizing initiative. The competition rewards clarity of purpose, and both managers are wedded to proactive football that can leave matches finely balanced.

City’s recent league frustrations add urgency. Winning this tournament would not only secure a Wembley return but also reinforce their status in a season where small margins are beginning to feel significant. Newcastle’s motivation is more visceral, driven by the energy of St James’ Park and a fanbase acutely aware of what a cup run can represent.

Kick-off time, venue and broadcast details

Man City vs Newcastle is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off tonight, Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The match will take place at St James’ Park.

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Injury lists shape Newcastle and City selections

Newcastle’s challenge is starkly numerical. Fabian Schar has suffered an ankle injury that could rule him out for the rest of the campaign, although Eddie Howe hopes that will not be the case.

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Defensive options are thinning rapidly. Tino Livramento faces a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury, Emil Krafth is sidelined with a knee problem, Dan Burn remains out after a broken rib and punctured lung, and Jamaal Lascelles is not training with the squad.

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Further forward, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga require late fitness tests, while William Osula is unavailable with an ankle issue. The cumulative effect places strain on rotation and recovery, particularly after extra time and penalties against Bournemouth at the weekend.

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City’s concerns cluster at the back. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol will be out for some time following injuries sustained against Chelsea, with Gvardiol suffering a broken leg.

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Guardiola diagnosed Dias with a hamstring issue, while John Stones is still “not ready” after his own struggles. Oscar Bobb and Savinho remain sidelined, reducing options out wide. Rayan Ait-Nouri is unlikely to feature despite Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations exit, and Omar Marmoush remains in Morocco after Egypt reached the AFCON semi-finals.

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Prediction and recent head to head record

Neither side will be at full strength, but the commitment to front-foot football should make this a compelling Carabao Cup encounter. Newcastle’s home support can tilt fine margins, yet their threadbare squad must cope with fatigue and defensive disruption. City arrive fresher after their emphatic FA Cup win, although Erling Haaland has scored once in his last five games and will be keen to reset his rhythm.

Man City to win, 3-1.

Head to head history and results underline how close this rivalry has become over time. Newcastle wins: 74. Man City wins: 79. Draws: 42.