Manchester City v Newcastle: Line-ups, stats and preview for EFL Cup semi-final, 2nd leg

Match Preview for Manchester City v Newcastle

Eddie Howe admits the odds are stacked against Newcastle when they visit the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City, but has vowed his side will give it their best shot.

City lead 2-0 after the first game at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki.

It leaves Newcastle with an uphill task if they want to turn the tie around and return to Wembley.

“We very much have to have that belief,” said Howe. “The second goal in the first game was obviously a big disappointment for us, coming so late, but we still believe and we have to believe. 

“I believe we have got the players that can go to any stadium in the world and perform and score goals. I think collectively the spirit within the group is there. 

“It’s going to be an almighty challenge – there is no bigger challenge than Manchester City away. I think we say that every time we play them but we believe in ourselves and are going to give it a good go.”

Newcastle’s form, particularly on the road, gives little reason for optimism. They have won just two of 12 away games in the Premier League this season and were thrashed 4-1 at Liverpool on Saturday night.

For City, it is a chance to add more silverware to Guardiola’s collection with time perhaps running out on his tenure.

The rumours that this will be his final season at the club are refusing to go away and he would love to leave on a high, although he knows the tie is far from over.

“We have the chance to make our fifth final in 10 years in the Carabao Cup,” he said. “I prefer to start with 2-0 up but I know perfectly how many times we have played Newcastle – the pride they have. They are a Champions League team and it will be a tough game.

“We have to be prepared and play our game for our people, our fans and try and reach Wembley in March.”

Team News for Manchester City v Newcastle

City will be without Marc Guehi, who is ineligible, but fellow January signing Semenyo can play as he was brought in prior to the first leg. Ruben Dias is back in training but this game comes too soon and he will join Jeremy Doku on the sidelines. Cherki will be assessed today.

Newcastle will again be without injured captain Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley is also unavailable. Sven Botman is fit.