Guardiola keeps some big guns in reserve
Pep Guardiola takes a 2-0 lead into this second leg but keeps some of his big guns in reserve. Gianluigi Donnarumma was benched at St James’ Park and is again, but James Trafford made a fine save in the first leg.
“But now Erling Haaland is among the substitutes; he has been overworked this season and will not be needed if City keep a clean sheet. Also on the bench is a fit-again Ruben Dias.
“Newcastle started without a specialist striker at Anfield on Saturday. There is one tonight, with Nick Woltemade recalled. It looks as though Newcastle are playing with a back three.”
Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium4 February 2026 19:40
The truth behind Man City’s new ‘reality’ that Pep Guardiola has missed
“That’s a nice quote, eh?” smiled Pep Guardiola. And yet, he felt, not one that would change his club’s reputation.
And yet, Guardiola argued, not in the context of half a decade, or a division.
Richard Jolly4 February 2026 19:36
A tough task for Newcastle
Newcastle have not won at the Etihad Stadium since 2014.
If that fact wasn’t enough to deter Eddie Howe’s men, they must also score twice without conceding in order to take the first step towards the Carabao Cup final.
A seemingly impossible task?
Mike Jones4 February 2026 19:30
Newcastle to make history?
Newcastle would become just the second club to overturn a two-goal semi final first leg deficit if they beat Man City and reach the final.
The previous time came in 1994 when Aston Villa trailed Tranmere Rovers 3-1 after the League Cup semi-final first leg at Prenton Park. Villa won the return leg 3-1 and advanced to the final after extra time and penalties.
Mike Jones4 February 2026 19:25
When is the Carabao Cup final?
The final of the Carabao Cup will take place on Sunday, March 22 this season, with Wembley the host stadium as always.
Arsenal have already taken their place as the first finalists, but will Man City be able to join them in their fifth League Cup final under Guardiola, or will Newcastle line up at Wembley just as they did last season?
Chris Wilson4 February 2026 19:20
Newcastle ‘will give it a go’
Here’s some thoughts from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe: “It’s going to be an almighty challenge. We believe in ourselves and are going to give it a good go.
“If we have that mentality and attack the game then let’s see what we can do.”
Mike Jones4 February 2026 19:15
Head-to-head
These two sides have met a total of 196 times in the past, with City winning 80, Newcastle winning 74 and 42 ending as draws.
Both sides have won win each so far this term, with the Magpies winning the home league match 2-1 before City got revenge in the first leg of the League Cup at St James’, winning 2-0 to put one foot in the Carabao Cup final.
Chris Wilson4 February 2026 19:10
Eddie Howe’s team changes
For Newcastle, Eddie Howe looks like he’s setting up with a back three/five this evening.
There are five changes to his starting line-up as Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa all drop out.
In their place come Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade will lead the line with Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Gordon alongside him as Newcastle look to overturn a two goal deficit.
Mike Jones4 February 2026 18:59
Manchester City team changes
Pep Guardiola has made four changes to the Manchester City team that started the first leg.
The big news is that Erling Haaland doesn’t start and begins the game on the bench with Omar Marmoush preferred to lead the line.
Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez also come in and Rayan Ait-Nouri takes the left-back position.
Alongside Haaland, Max Alleyne, Bernado Silva and Jeremy Doku drop out.
Mike Jones4 February 2026 18:53
