Man City vs Newcastle predictions: City to stamp authority and seal Wembley place
Aaron Ashley
Manchester City have won 11 straight games at home to Newcastle
The Magpies have scored on their last two away trips to PSG and Liverpool
Recommended bet: Manchester City to win & both teams to score
A 2-0 win away at St James’ Park has Manchester City in full control of this EFL semi-final showdown with holders Newcastle and they will have high hopes of continuing their love affair with the competition.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won the EFL Cup six times since 2014 and goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki have rewarded them with a two-goal cushion ahead of battle resuming at the Etihad.
Newcastle, having lifted the trophy last season with victory over Liverpool in the final, have no choice but to adopt positive tactics as they bid to get themselves back in the tie.
However, they come into this one on the back of a 4-1 hiding at Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday and they are being hit hard by injuries.
City are also dealing with some disruptions, especially defensively, and they will also be looking for a response having let a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2 at Tottenham on Sunday.
The latest Manchester City vs Newcastle odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku and Savinho are all confirmed absentees for Manchester City and Marc Guehi is ineligible.
Cherki faces a race against time to be fit but James Trafford is expected to keep his place for this cup tie ahead of usual number one Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Joelinton, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth all remain sidelined for the Magpies while this match is likely to come too soon for Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley.
Sven Botman is expected to be fit to feature but Jamaal Lascelles has made a move to Championship club Leicester.
The stats
Manchester City have won their last 11 meetings at home to Newcastle, conceding just three goals.
City are unbeaten in nine matches at the Etihad, winning on seven occasions.
Newcastle have won only one of their last seven matches in 90 minutes, but have scored in back-to-back away games at Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.
The Citizens have conceded in six of their last nine matches.
Both teams have scored in three of the last six rivalries between this pair.
Manchester City have won the EFL Cup on six occasions since 2014.
Manchester City’s winter signing Antoine Semenyo has four goals and one assist in five appearances since arriving from Bournemouth.
The latest Manchester City vs Newcastle odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Newcastle may as well roll the dice after their 2-0 defeat in the opening leg and all-out attack should be the way forward for Eddie Howe’s side at the Etihad.
A 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday was a damaging result but they were the better team for large parts of the opening half, only to be picked off as their midweek exertions told.
That came on the back of a 1-1 draw at PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday and, while that shows they can be competitive with Europe’s elite, City’s attacking talent may prove decisive.
Newcastle’s need for victory could leave them vulnerable defensively and City, having won their last 11 meetings at home to the Magpies, should soon stamp their authority.
The Citizens have scored at least twice in seven of their last nine at home but they are unable to call upon defenders Guehi, Gvardiol, Dias and Stones, offering some hope to the visitors, who should at least score in defeat.
Back Manchester City to win & both teams to score at 21/10 with LiveScore Bet.
