St. James’ Park becomes the epicenter of English football tonight as Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United host Manchester City in a high-stakes semi-final first leg. While Eddie Howe’s men aim to defend their crown, Pep Guardiola’s side arrives fresh from a record-breaking 10-1 victory.
The “Magpies” are currently on a mission to secure back-to-back League Cup titles after their historic 2025 triumph. However, standing in their way is a Manchester City machine that seems to have rediscovered its clinical edge, despite a recent string of draws in the Premier League.
The Harvey Barnes Factor vs. New Signing Semenyo
The tactical battle tonight features two of the league’s most in-form attackers:
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle): Coming off a “Perfect 10” performance, Barnes has been the architect of Newcastle’s unbeaten home run. With Anthony Elanga doubtful, Barnes’ ability to exploit City’s high line will be crucial.
Antoine Semenyo (Man City): City’s new £62.5 million signing made an instant impact with a goal and an assist in the weekend’s 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter. Guardiola may unleash him tonight to provide the verticality City has lacked in recent away games.
Defensive Crisis for Both Sides
The match will likely be decided by who handles their injury list better:
- Newcastle: Eddie Howe is missing key defensive pillars including Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, and Jamaal Lascelles, forcing a makeshift backline to face Erling Haaland.
- Man City: Guardiola is also “skinned” at the back, with Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones all ruled out.
Match Info & How to Watch
- Competition: Carabao Cup Semi-Final (1st Leg)
- Kick-off: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 20:00 GMT
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle.
- TV (UK): Sky Sports Main Event / ITV1
Predicted Lineups
- Newcastle (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Botman, Thiaw, Livramento; Tonali, Guimarães, Willock; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.
- Man City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Rico Lewis, Aké, Akanji, Walker; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Semenyo; Haaland.
