Newcastle United vs Manchester City | St. James' Park | Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) Semi-Final First Leg

A blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St. James' Park! The defending champions Newcastle, fresh off their 2024/25 trophy win, host Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in a high-stakes two-legged tie. The Magpies aim to defend their crown and build on their November Premier League upset (2-1 win over City), while the Citizens seek silverware and revenge after recent Premier League stumbles.

Current Form

Newcastle are in strong momentum: four straight wins across competitions, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup third round (3-3 AET, 7-6 pens). They sit sixth in the Premier League, unbeaten at home since September, with raucous support making St. James' Park a fortress.

Manchester City are second in the league but have drawn their last three Premier League games (Sunderland 0-0, Chelsea 1-1, Brighton 1-1), dropping points to Arsenal. They crushed Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup and remain unbeaten in 12 across all comps, but defensive injuries and recent frustration linger.

Recent Form (last 5 all comps):

• Newcastle: W-W-W-W-W (latest: FA Cup pens win vs Bournemouth)

• Manchester City: D-D-D-W-W (latest: 10-1 FA Cup vs Exeter)

(Mkeka wa Leo favours Manchester City to win & Over 2 on total oals)

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United: Injuries hit hard – Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, Daniel Burn, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Anthony Elanga out. Squad rotation likely after FA Cup marathon; Eddie Howe may freshen up for this tie.

Predicted Newcastle XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, others; Gordon, Isak/Woltemade, Barnes.

Manchester City: Heavy defensive absences – Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, John Stones injured; Savinho, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb out. Omar Marmoush on international duty. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden expected to start; rotation possible.

Predicted Man City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, others; Rodri, Foden, others; Doku, Haaland, others.

Head-to-Head Record

Manchester City historically dominate with 79 wins to Newcastle's 74 (and draws) in 195 meetings. Recent clashes are competitive: Newcastle won the reverse Premier League fixture 2-1 (November 2025, Harvey Barnes brace). Newcastle have won two of the last four home meetings vs City.

Key Stats:

• Newcastle unbeaten in last 13 home games overall.

• City unbeaten in 12 across competitions.

• BTTS in recent H2H; often tight cup ties.

You can place your bets today through various betting sites such as: Wasafibet, Betpawa, Sokabet , Sportybet, BetWinner etc.

Match Prediction and Betting Tips

Newcastle's home fortress and recent form give them an edge, but City's quality and freshness (easier FA Cup path) make them slight favorites. A draw or narrow City win likely in the first leg.

Our Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City Citizens take a slender advantage back to the Etihad; Haaland to exploit gaps.

MKEKA WA LEO

• Main Bet: Manchester City to win

• Bet on Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Yes

• Bet on total goals: Over 2.5 Goals

• Bet anytime scorer: Erling Haaland

• Safe Bet: Draw or City double chance
  
  

This Newcastle United vs Manchester City Carabao Cup 2025/26 semi-final first leg is a thriller – who gains the upper hand? Drop your score prediction on "Post your Tips" section ✍️

You can place your bets today through various betting sites such as: Wasafibet, Betpawa, Sokabet , Sportybet, BetWinner etc.

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