Etihad Showdown: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of City’s Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg
MANCHESTER — The road to Wembley enters its final, decisive stretch this week as Manchester City prepare to host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium. With a place in the 2026 Carabao Cup Final at stake, Pep Guardiola’s men hold a distinct advantage, but the Magpies arrive in the North West with nothing to lose and a history of tenacity under Eddie Howe.
Here is the comprehensive guide to the Wednesday night blockbuster.
Kick-Off, Venue, and Global Broadcast Details
The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with kick-off at 20:00 UK time. Manchester City will be sporting their traditional 2025/26 PUMA Home kit for the encounter.
For fans in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast across a variety of platforms:
- Television: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Ultra HD.
- Streaming: Now TV, Sky GO, and Sky GO Extra.
- Live Updates: The official Man City app and the club’s X (formerly Twitter) handle @ManCity.
The State of Play: First Leg Recap
City head into this home leg with a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead. In the first leg at St. James’ Park, the Cityzens weathered an early storm before taking control in the second half. Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, and the victory was seemingly cemented deep into stoppage time when Rayan Cherki doubled the advantage.
It could have been a three-goal cushion had VAR not intervened to strike off a second Semenyo strike, leaving a small window of hope for the visiting Magpies.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Historic Context
Historically, Manchester City have dominated this fixture, particularly at the Etihad. Newcastle’s record in East Manchester is famously poor; they haven’t secured a league or cup win at City’s home ground in over a decade.
- Recent Form: In their last five meetings across all competitions, City have won four and drawn one.
- Carabao Cup Pedigree: City are seeking their 10th League Cup title, a trophy that defined the early years of the Guardiola era. Newcastle, meanwhile, are the defending champions (having ended their major trophy drought in 2024/25) and are desperate to retain their crown.
Managerial Profile: The Eddie Howe Evolution
Eddie Howe remains one of the most respected tactical minds in the English game. After his legendary stint at Bournemouth—where he took the Cherries from the brink of extinction in the fourth tier to the Premier League—he has transformed Newcastle into a European force.
Under his guidance, Newcastle returned to the Champions League and famously captured the League Cup last season, their first major silverware since 1955. Despite some recent stumbles in Europe, Howe’s Newcastle remain a high-pressing, physically imposing side that Guardiola rarely underestimates.
Danger Men and Team News
The Magpies’ Threat
Harvey Barnes is the man City must watch. Since his move from Leicester City in 2023, Barnes has been a thorn in City’s side, scoring twice against them earlier this season. He currently boasts 14 direct goal involvements (12 goals, 2 assists) this campaign. Though he missed a vital chance in the recent 1-1 draw with PSG—a result that saw Newcastle drop into the Champions League play-off round—his pace on the counter remains lethal.
Injury Concerns
Newcastle arrive significantly depleted. Captain Bruno Guimarães is a major doubt after missing the Liverpool clash. He is joined on the sidelines by midfield powerhouse Joelinton and flying full-back Tino Livramento, leaving Howe with a selection headache in the engine room.
City’s Rising Star
Pep Guardiola has spent much of the week praising Rico Lewis, calling the Academy graduate “extraordinary.” Expect Lewis to play a pivotal “inverted” role in the engine room to combat Newcastle’s physicality.
[Table: Quick Match Facts]
| Category | Detail |
| Aggregate Score | Man City 2-0 Newcastle United |
| Last Match (City) | 2-2 Draw vs. Spurs (Goals: Cherki, Semenyo) |
| Last Match (Newcastle) | 1-1 Draw vs. PSG |
| Referee | TBC (Follow Tuesday’s Press Conference) |
| Manager Presser | Tuesday, Feb 3, 12:30 (UK) |
The Final Word
City come into this following a rollercoaster 2-2 draw with Tottenham, where they surrendered a two-goal lead. Guardiola will be demanding defensive focus to ensure no such slip-up happens against a Newcastle side that thrives on chaos. If City score early, the tie is likely over; if Newcastle find the net first, the Etihad will be in for a very nervous night.