Manchester City vs Newcastle: can Newcastle mount a comeback and reach the final?
In the return leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, we are set for a clash between Manchester City and Newcastle. The match will take place on Wednesday, February 4, with kick-off at 21:00 CET, and I would like to suggest a betting option for this game.
Manchester City vs Newcastle: match facts and head-to-head
- The first semi-final ended in a 2:0 victory for Manchester City.
- Manchester City are unbeaten in three consecutive matches: one draw and two wins.
- In their last four matches, Manchester City have scored at least one goal.
- This season, Manchester City have lost only two matches.
- Manchester City are unbeaten in their last nine home games.
- Newcastle are without a win in three straight matches: two defeats and one draw.
- Newcastle have won only one of their last seven away matches.
- Manchester City have kept a clean sheet in 41% of their matches this season, Newcastle in 22%.
- Both teams have lost 11% of their matches this season.
- In 41% of matches this season, Manchester City have scored in both halves.
- In the last five head-to-head meetings, Manchester City have won three times, Newcastle once.
Manchester City vs Newcastle: match preview
In mid-January, these teams met in the first semi-final at St James’ Park. Manchester City dominated the pitch and converted that superiority into two goals. Semenyo and Cherki found the net. Newcastle had no response, and the match ended 2:0 in favour of the Citizens.
Manchester City began their current EFL Cup campaign in the third round. They defeated Huddersfield 2:0, then beat Swansea 3:1 and Brentford 2:0. In the Premier League standings, the team currently sits second with 47 points after 24 rounds. The gap to the leaders stands at six points. In their previous match, the Citizens drew 2:2 with Tottenham.
Newcastle managed to win the EFL Cup in the previous edition, defeating Liverpool in the final. However, lifting the trophy again will be extremely difficult, as the Magpies lost the first leg 0:2. Newcastle also started from the third round of the EFL Cup, where they thrashed Bradford 4:1. They then beat Tottenham 2:0 and edged past Fulham 2:1 in the quarter-finals. In their most recent match, the Magpies played away against Liverpool and suffered a heavy 1:4 defeat.
Probable line-ups
- Manchester City: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Bernardo; Semenyo, Haaland
- Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
Prediction
Manchester City won the first match against Newcastle 2:0, and I believe they will be able to consolidate their advantage and claim another victory. Newcastle are competing on several fronts at once, which is proving extremely challenging for them. I suggest a bet on a Manchester City win in this match.
