Manchester City and Newcastle United have announced their starting lineups for the crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg match at St. James Park.
Match Overview
Tonight’s game is pivotal for both teams as they aim to secure an advantage heading into the second leg at Etihad Stadium on February 4. Newcastle, the reigning Carabao Cup champions, will look to leverage their home advantage, while Manchester City faces the challenge of competing without several key players.
Injuries Impacting Manchester City
Manchester City will be without several important players due to injuries. The list includes:
- Josko Gvardiol
- John Stones
- Ruben Dias
- Mateo Kovacic
- Savinho
- Oscar Bobb
Additionally, Omar Marmoush is unavailable, as he is representing Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Rayan Ait-Nouri may appear in the lineup after returning from Algeria’s AFCON exit.
Manchester City’s Starting Lineup
Manager Pep Guardiola has implemented five changes to the team that recently overwhelmed Exeter City 10-1. Notably, player Nico O’Reilly is absent from the matchday squad; the reasons for this absence are yet to be disclosed.
- James Trafford
- Matheus Nunes
- Abdukodir Khusanov
- Max Alleyne
- Nathan Ake
- Nico O’Reilly
- Bernardo Silva
- Phil Foden
- Antoine Semenyo
- Jeremy Doku
- Erling Haaland
The substitutes for this match include Donnarumma, Reijnders, Cherki, Rodri, Ait-Nouri, McAidoo, Gray, Mukasa, and Lewis.
Newcastle United’s Strategy
Newcastle United will seek to capitalize on their home field and push forward with confidence. Both teams bring a competitive spirit, and this match promises to be an exciting showdown in the ongoing Carabao Cup.
