| Manchester City vs Newcastle | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Manchester City vs Newcastle
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COMPETITION :
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EFL Cup
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| DATE: |
14 - 01 - 2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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St. James Park
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Newcastle United head into this clash with significant defensive concerns, as Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles and William Osula are all sidelined through injury. Anthony Elanga also remains a doubt after picking up a knock, adding to Eddie Howe’s selection headaches.
Despite those absences, Newcastle’s attacking form offers plenty of encouragement. Harvey Barnes has been in scintillating touch, scoring four goals across his last two appearances, and the winger is expected to start in a dynamic front four alongside Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães is set to return to the starting XI, replacing Jacob Ramsey and partnering Sandro Tonali at the heart of the Magpies’ engine room.
At the back, Newcastle may be forced into further reshuffles. Lewis Miley is a candidate to slot in at right-back, with Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall completing the defensive line. Hall stepped in during the win over Bournemouth following Valentino Livramento’s injury and could retain his place.
Manchester City also arrive with a lengthy injury list. Pep Guardiola will be without John Stones, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Rúben Dias, Savinho and Oscar Bobb, limiting his defensive and midfield options. Young centre-backs Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov have started City’s last two matches together and may continue their partnership, while Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly are expected to operate in the full-back roles.
In attack, City look considerably stronger. Phil Foden was rested during the comprehensive win over Exeter and is poised to return to the starting lineup. He could feature alongside Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Jeremy Doku in support of Erling Haaland, as the champions look to impose themselves against an injury-hit Newcastle side.
With both teams juggling absences, the contest could hinge on attacking efficiency, where in-form forwards on both sides are likely to play a decisive role.