All of the key details ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Newcastle and Man City
Newcastle United and Manchester City meet in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, in a clash that promises to set the tone for this season’s battle for silverware. The game is scheduled for an 8:00pm GMT kick-off at St James’ Park, with both sides aiming to take an advantage into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in early February.
Current holders Newcastle are bidding to defend their title after lifting the EFL Cup in 2024/25, ending a 70-year wait for major silverware in emphatic fashion. Meanwhile, Manchester City are determined to reclaim the trophy they dominated in the previous decade, having won it five times under Pep Guardiola’s leadership.
How the teams go into the game: form
Newcastle arrive in good form, boasting three wins and a draw in their previous four outings across competitions. They are unbeaten at St James’ Park in their last 13 matches, making them a formidable force on home soil. The Magpies also have a positive recent record against Manchester City in League Cup ties, having won both of their last two encounters in the competition.
City, on the other hand, have been excellent in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 matches with nine wins. Their most recent fixture was a remarkable 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup, showcasing their potent attacking capabilities.
Head-to-head: Newcastle vs Manchester City
The sides have traded results in recent meetings. In the last five clashes between the two sides at St James’ Park, Newcastle have won twice – most recently in a memorable 2-1 Premier League win earlier this season – drawn twice, whilst City have won once.
Across the last 10 meetings, home and away, City have won six, with two draws and two wins for Newcastle.
Team news: Newcastle United and Manchester City
Injuries are shaping the selection headaches for both head coaches.
For Newcastle, key defenders Tino Livramento. Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn are sidelined, with William Osula and other squad members also unavailable. Eddie Howe may adjust his back line to cope with absentees, potentially giving opportunities to younger defenders alongside mainstays like Sven Botman and Lewis Miley.
Manchester City are also stretched defensively, with Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones among those out injured. Mateo Kovačić and Oscar Bobb are also sidelined, and Omar Marmoush is away at the African Cup of Nations. New signing Antoine Semenyo is eligible to play despite joining late in the competition under updated EFL rules.
Both teams are expected to rotate, given their packed schedules and commitments in league and cup competitions.
When and where to watch in US & UK
For supporters in the United Kingdom, live coverage begins ahead of kick-off on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and ITV1, with streaming available via NOW TV and the Sky Go app. Coverage typically starts around 7:00pm GMT ahead of the 8:00pm kick-off.
In the United States, the match can be streamed live on Paramount+, offering viewers access to Carabao Cup action across the season. Global listings also include local broadcasters and streaming options depending on region.
Newcastle and Manchester City will look to assert early control in this intriguing semi-final tie, with the backdrop of Cup glory and a place in the final at Wembley on the line.