<p>Pep Guardiola's men arrive at the Etihad with one foot already in the Carabao Cup final after goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki secured a commanding 2-0 first-leg victory at St James' Park. Newcastle now face the daunting task of overturning that deficit at a ground where they haven't won since 2014.</p> <ul> <li>Competition: Carabao Cup Semi-Final (Second Leg)</li> <li>Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester</li> <li>Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026</li> <li>Start Time: 7:00 AM AEDT (Thursday)</li> </ul> <h2>Manchester City vs Newcastle United Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>These two clubs have met 195 times throughout history, with City holding a slight edge at 79 wins to Newcastle's 74, plus 42 draws. The recent record tells a more one-sided story. City have scored in their last 34 league meetings against the Magpies, the longest such streak in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-winners-by-year">Premier League history</a>.</p> <p>Newcastle's last triumph at the Etihad came back in 2014, and that drought looks set to continue given their current struggles. City enter this clash off a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, while the Magpies have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats to Aston Villa and Liverpool, piling pressure on Eddie Howe's squad.</p> <h2>Defensive Woes and Selection Headaches Cloud Build-Up</h2> <p>Manchester City's injury list reads like a medical journal. Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined long-term with a tibial fracture that required surgery, while Ruben Dias is out for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury. John Stones nurses a leg injury with no clear return date, Jeremy Doku faces a couple of weeks out with a calf problem, and Savinho is ruled out for six to eight weeks according to Guardiola.</p> <p>Newcastle aren't in much better shape. Tino Livramento and Jamaal Lascelles are ruled out, while Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Dan Burn are returning to fitness but may lack match sharpness. Crucially, Bruno Guimarães missed the Liverpool defeat with an ankle injury and remains a doubt, while Joelinton is ruled out for several weeks with a knee injury, robbing Howe of his midfield heartbeat at the worst possible time.</p> <h2>Manchester City vs Newcastle United Betting Markets</h2> <p>For <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-football-league-cup/man-city-v-newcastle-10043476">the latest Manchester City vs Newcastle United odds and markets</a>, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet. Given City's 2-0 aggregate lead, the match result market favours the hosts, though Newcastle's desperation could create opportunities. Our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/carabao-cup-betting-guide">Carabao Cup betting guide</a> offers more insight into wagering on this competition.</p> <p>The total goals market looks particularly interesting. City's defensive injuries leave them vulnerable at the back, while Newcastle must attack from the opening whistle. Both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs recently, with City's Spurs draw finishing 2-2 and Newcastle shipping goals freely in their recent <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league">Premier League</a> outings.</p> <h2>Manchester City vs Newcastle United Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p><strong>Guardiola's side should complete the job at home, and goals look likely given the circumstances.</strong></p> <p>City have won six EFL Cups since 2014 for good reason. They know how to manage semi-finals, and no team has squandered a 2-0 first-leg lead in this competition's recent history. All 19 away teams to win EFL Cup semi-final first legs have progressed to the final.</p> <p>Newcastle must throw caution to the wind, leaving space for City's attackers to exploit. Semenyo and Cherki both found the net in the first leg and will fancy their chances against a depleted Magpies defence missing most of its first-choice options.</p> <p>The one concern for City is their own injury crisis at centre-back, which could allow Newcastle a consolation goal or two. Expect Guardiola's men to advance, but not without conceding in what should be an open, entertaining affair with three or more goals across the 90 minutes.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/premier-league-betting-guide">Everything you need to know before betting on the EPL</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions">Our latest tips and predictions for Premier League matches</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-betting-form-stats-analysis">The stats that actually matter when betting on English football</a></li> </ul>