A first-half brace from Omar Marmoush sealed Manchester City’s spot in the Carabao Cup final as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated Newcastle United.
The visitors came into the match trailing 2-0 after the first leg and their hopes were quickly dashed as Marmoush bundled in after seven minutes, the Egyptian benefitting from a deflection off Dan Burn’s sliding challenge.
And Marmoush had a second to effectively seal the tie before the half-hour mark, heading in from a couple yards after Kieran Trippier’s failed clearance to effectively seal the result.
The match threatened to get away from the Magpies after that, with Tijjani Reijnders tapping in a third on the counter before half-time, and while the Magpies had chances and Anthony Elanga scored an impressive consolation, it was the hosts who cruised into the Carabao Cup final, with Pep Guardiola’s side facing Arsenal on 22 March in a repeat of the 2018 final.
Follow all the latest reaction from the Etihad below:
Man City vs Newcastle live
- Manchester City beat Newcastle to reach Carabao Cup final
- 63' GOAL! Elanga scores superb consolation [MCI 3-1 NEW, 5-1 agg]
- 32' GOAL! Reijnders adds third from slick counter [MCI 3-0 NEW, 5-0 agg]
- 29' GOAL! Marmoush heads in second unchallenged [MCI 2-0 NEW, 4-0 agg]
- 7' GOAL! Marmoush extends City lead [MCI 1-0 NEW, 3-0 agg]
Manchester City to appeal Marc Guehi status ahead of Carabao Cup final
23:16 , Richard JollyPep Guardiola has told Manchester City to ask the Football League for permission to play Marc Guehi in the Carabao Cup final – even though his January signing is ineligible.
City progressed to meet Arsenal at Wembley on 22 March by beating Newcastle 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, and 5-1 on aggregate.
But defender Guehi, a £20m buy from Crystal Palace, was not allowed to play as he was not signed in time for the first leg, which also rules him out of the final.
Manchester City to appeal Marc Guehi status ahead of Carabao Cup final
James Trafford will start Carabao Cup final ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma confirms Pep Guardiola
23:15 , Chris WilsonManchester City manager Pep Guardiola has already revealed a small part of his line-up for the Carabao Cup final, with the Spaniard suggesting that James Trafford will start for the Cityzens at Wembley.
Trafford deputised for Gianluigi Donnarumma in City’s 3-1 win over Newcastle in their League Cup semi-final second leg, with the Englishman making several key saves – particularly from Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon – to keep his side ahead.
And Guardiola was full of praise for the 23-year-old, adding that he is going to play his “first final of the Carabao Cup”.
Trafford will start Carabao Cup final ahead of Donnarumma confirms Guardiola
Carabao Cup final date
23:05 , Chris WilsonThe Carabao Cup final will take place on Sunday, 22 March at Wembley, where Man City will face Arsenal in a repeat of the 2018 final.
City won 3-0 on that occasion but it will likely be Arsenal who head to Wembley as favourites this time.
Arsenal had their match against Wolves on 21 March re-arranged for 18 February, and City will likely have to have their game against Crystal Palace arranged to a similar time.
Howe: 'It could have been different but we accept the reality'
22:57 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had to say after the defeat:
"It was the start we didn't want. The first goal, Dan has gone to clear the ball and it's gone off their attacker and gone in. That sums up the start of the game we had. It was the opposite of what we wanted and it took the game away from us,” he explained.
“In both games if you look back, we are frustrated we only scored one goal in two games. We don't feel we should have lost the first leg 2-0 on the balance of opportunities created.
“It could have been different but we accept the reality. The last thing you want to do is have to chase a game. We were going for the match, we were trying to attack,” he added.
He also explains that the injury to Anthony Gordon “looks like hamstring injury, I don't think it looks too bad."
Guardiola questions rule over Guehi absence
22:53 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has also questioned the rule that means Marc Guehi will be unavailable for the final despite Antoine Semenyo being allowed to feature.
“Hopefully in March we can arrive with players fit, hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc [Guehi] can play in the final, becasue it’s difficult to understand the club making a big investment to take one player, he belongs to us, but I don’t understand why he can’t play in the final,” explained Guardiola.
“So, hopefully we make a letter, and hopefully they can change it,” he added.
More from Guardiola
22:42 , Chris WilsonOn Omar Marmoush, Guardiola explains: "His movements are really top. The movements in behind and the incredible sense of goal.
“Really pleased for him. That type of game can always be complicated mentally but we started really well.”
On some players having the chance to win a first trophy with the club, he adds: "It will be good. You have to live this experience. The first title we won here was in the Carabao Cup. When you win something, it helps to win more. It's a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team right now in Europe and maybe the world."
Guardiola seems to confirm Trafford final berth
22:36 , Chris Wilson“I said from the beginning James is a top player, a top class keeper so he’s got an incredible future ahead of him. The position of keeper is special because of course he has to play,” said Guardiola on James Trafford, who deputised for Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal this evening.
“Some players like Nico O’Reilly can play left-back, attacking midfielder, in the pockets, holding midfielder but the keeper has to play keeper and there is just one of course.
“He’s an extraordinary keeper and I’m really pleased. With the final, he’s going to play the first final of Carabao Cup for him and in FA Cup of course everything can happen,” he added.
Guardiola: 'The guys were really good'
22:32 , Chris Wilson“With Newcastle you never control completely, they have a lot of 1-v-1s, especially in the first half.
“But we had a good pace, a good rhythm, but you saw how alive we were. Newcastle is a Champions League team, top-class players, all the time making an incredible intense game, but the guys were really good.
“At the end of March we go to Wembley again, and we’re going to travel to London, but we’re really happy to be back, and five times in 10 years is a really big milestone,” he added.
Reijnders reacts
22:28 , Chris WilsonHere’s what City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders had to say on Sky after the win:
“We were very eager to go to the final and we showed that from the first minute.
“Despite the goal we had against us, we controlled the game, and that’s something we have to build on.
“Everybody was sharp from the beginning, we weren’t as sharp before, so that helped us a lot. I was a bit surproised that there was so much space in between the lines, but with players like Phil and me we can attack very quick,” he explained.
On the final against Arsenal, he added: “I play football because I want to win trophies, and going to Wembley for the first time will be amazing.
“It will be a tough match but we will be very hungry. They play amazing and they are a really balanced team, but we have to analyse and see where we can win the game.”
Pep Guardiola once again stands on the brink of greatness and only Mikel Arteta can stop him
22:23 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola’s claim to greatness stems from much more than just the Carabao Cup but a man who has won much else is now one victory away from being out on his own as the most successful manager in its history. Only the ally turned enemy, Mikel Arteta, who was by his side for the first two of his four Wembley triumphs in this competition, can deny him a fifth, which would take him clear of Brian Clough, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Newcastle could not halt him. Their defence of their first major trophy since 1969 ended with a whimper. Their chances of a comeback were all but ended inside seven minutes, gone completely after 32 minutes and snuffed out in part by the goalkeeper they forever try to buy. They were dispatched from the competition by a much-weakened Manchester City side.
Guardiola once again stands on the brink of greatness and only Arteta can stop him
Newcastle rocked by latest injury crisis as Anthony Gordon picks up hamstring issue
22:18 , Mike JonesNewcastle United face a worsening injury crisis after Anthony Gordon was subbed off during the first half of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City with a hamstring issue.
With 43 minutes on the clock, Aaron Ramsdale sent a long ball forward for Gordon, playing on the left wing, to chase down. The winger set up but checked his run before dropping to the floor and signalling to City’s Phil Foden that his hamstring had gone.
The Newcastle physios provided some treatment for Gordon, including massaging his left hamstring, and the 24-year-old managed to hobble off to the side of the pitch before being replaced by Harvey Barnes before the break.
Newcastle rocked by latest injury crisis as Anthony Gordon picks up hamstring issue
City's League Cup story
22:13 , Chris WilsonManchester City have won the League Cup a total of eight times – only Liverpool have won it more – and four of those have come under Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard won four League Cups in a row between 2017/18 and 2020/21, and he’ll contest his fifth final in this competition on 22 March at Wembley.
Marmoush: 'We were very focused on the job'
22:08 , Chris Wilson"We showed a very good mentality. We were together as a team, from the first minute we were very focused on the job,” says Manchester City goalscorer Omar Marmoush on Sky.
“We showed our mentality and passion and are very happy to reach the final.
“The first goal was very lucky, my touch wasn't the best but the ball went in. I try to make the runs and be in the right place and I am very happy to score two goals."
“I wished to get the hat-trick today but I am very happy to score two goals and it gives us all confidence to win the game and hopefully we can win the final."
“It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are here to win trophies. We give our best every day to reach these finals and win silverware.
“Hopefully we can do it for all the new players and also the players that were here. They showed us that every medal and every silverware is important,” he added as he finished.
FULL-TIME! Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
22:01 , Chris Wilson
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FULL-TIME! Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:55 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the game to an end and Man City will face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in March!
A dominant win over Newcastle in both legs takes Pep Guardiola’s side to a fifth League Cup final of his stewardship.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:53 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of two minutes of added time here as Newcastle’s trophy defence comes to an end.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:50 , Chris Wilson88 mins
City doing everything they need to to manage the end of this game at the moment, knocking around the ball confidently in midfield.
Cherki tries his luck from range but it’s blocked.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:49 , Chris Wilson86 mins
City win a free-kick but the delivery is straight at Ramsdale.
The hosts come again though, and Haaland forces another save from the Newcastle ‘keeper after once again being tee’d up by Cherki.
In the meantime, Guardiola brings off Gonzalez for Rico Lewis.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:46 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“The chances Newcastle have created in the second half may make them wish they had fielded a more attacking line-up from the start. Elanga and Barnes have made a difference, but each was only a substitute.”
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:46 , Chris Wilson83 mins
CLOSE! Another great chance, but this one for Haaland!
He’s plauyed in down the middle thanks to an inch-perfect through ball from Cherki.
He drives into the area and tries to drag the finish across Ramsdale, but the ‘keeper is equal to it and tips it wide!
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:44 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Newcastle have certainly had the chances to make this more of a fight than it’s been.
City fail to deal with a free-kick and Elanga squares it at the back post, but Wissa doesn’t react quickly enough to tap it in!
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:40 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Gonzalez picks up a yellow now after dragging over Tonali.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:38 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Oh, Marmoush thinks he has a golden chance for his hat-trick as he lines up a shot unchallenged in the area, but the referee penalises Nico Gonzalez for a foul!
Newcastle bring on Will Osula for Trippier.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:33 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Subs for City as Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Rodri come on for Semenyo, Foden and O’Reilly.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:32 , Chris Wilson70 mins
CLOSE! What a pass from Tonali. He threads a lovely pass through to Barnes on the left and he puts it on a plate for Elanga, but he fires wide from point-blank range!
Potentially offside but he has to score that.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:30 , Chris Wilson67 mins
DISALLOWED GOAL!
Newcastle briefly think they have a second as Harvey Barnes squeezes in from inside the box, but Wissa had strayed offside in the build-up.
Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:27 , Richard JollyThe latest reaction from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“A terrific goal from Anthony Elanga. Also a belated first of his Newcastle career. He almost scored on his debut at Aston Villa in August. Six months and 31 games later, he has finally scored.”
GOAL! Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1)
21:25 , Chris Wilson63 mins
GOAL! A lovely goal from Anthony Elanga, who picks the ball up on the wing before driving between two defenders and then cutting outside of O’Reilly before curling in via the far post!
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:23 , Chris Wilson60 mins
City knocking it around confidently as Newcastle chase shadows in midfield. This could be a long 30 minutes for the visitors.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:19 , Chris Wilson57 mins
And now the visitors want a penalty after Wissa goes down under the challenge from Alleyne.
At the other end, City counter and Marmoush cuts it back to Reijnders, but the Dutchman drags his effort wide.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:17 , Chris Wilson54 mins
There’s a brief VAR check after Botman brings down Reijnders in the box but he won the ball fairly.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:15 , Richard JollyThe thoughts of Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“Eddie Howe has a very attacking line-up on the pitch now, but it is too late. There may be a parallel with the other semi-final last night when Liam Rosenior began with too defensive a selection.”
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:13 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Plenty of to-ing and fro-ing at the moment, with both sides exchanging possession several times.
Elanga races down the right and wins a corner off Alleyne.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:08 , Chris Wilson46 mins
CHANCE! City give it away in their own half and the pass is threaded into the path of Wissa. He’s 1-v-1 with Trafford but he scuffs it wide!
KICK-OFF! Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:07 , Chris WilsonBack underway at the Etihad!
Three changes for Newcastle as Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Murphy come on for Willock, Woltemade and Hall.
City bring on Max Alleyne for Ake.
Newcastle rocked by latest injury crisis as Anthony Gordon picks up hamstring issue
21:04 , Chris WilsonNewcastle United face a worsening injury crisis after Anthony Gordonwas subbed off during the first half of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City with a hamstring issue.
With 43 minutes on the clock, Aaron Ramsdale sent a long ball forward for Gordon, playing on the left wing, to chase down. The winger set up but checked his run before dropping to the floor and signalling to City’s Phil Foden that his hamstring had gone.
The Newcastle physios provided some treatment for Gordon, including massaging his left hamstring, and the 24-year-old managed to hobble off to the side of the pitch before being replaced by Harvey Barnes before the break.
Newcastle rocked by latest injury crisis as Anthony Gordon picks up hamstring issue
HALF-TIME! Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
21:02 , Chris WilsonA night to forget for the Magpies already then. They have a mountain to climb but in reality they’ve relinquished the League Cup for this season now.
City simply have to avoid conceding one of the most ridiculous comebacks of all time and they’ll have a place in the Carabao Cup final!
HALF-TIME! Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:59 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:52 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and the hosts have a three-nil lead and one foot in the final.
You could say that Newcastle have it all to do but that would be exaggerating their chances ahead of this second half.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:50 , Chris Wilson45 +3 mins
Newcastle want a penalty as a cross hits Nunes on the hand, but his arm was right into his body. It’s waved away.
Trafford deals with the next corner and that should be that.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:49 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
Into the second of four minutes of added time here. Newcastle win a free-kick and Botman powers a header towards goal but Trafford saves well.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:46 , Chris Wilson44 mins
Anthony Gordon is forced off, replaced by Harvey Barnes. More trouble for the visitors on an evening they’d like to forget.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:44 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Worries here for Newcastle as Anthony Gordon is down off the ball. He seems to indicate he’s having trouble with a hamstring.
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
This game feels over as a contest, so there are now questions over how Eddie Howe should approach this one. Perhaps some vindication for Liam Rosenior yesterday too!
'Saves will annoy Eddie Howe'
20:41 , Richard JollyThe thoughts of Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
“Those three saves James Trafford made at 1-0 now look to have ensured there was no way back for Newcastle. And they may annoy Eddie Howe, given that he targets Trafford every summer. The man he forever wants to sign at least showed why.”
Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:39 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Shouts for a penalty from the home fans as Semenyo goes down under a challenge in the box. It was sloppy, and it’s reviewed, but it’s cleared by VAR.
GOAL! Man City 3-0 Newcastle (agg 5-0)
20:37 , Chris Wilson33 mins
GOAL! This is getting ugly for Newcastle!
City have a third goal courtesy of Tijjani Reijnders.
The visitors have the ball high and Botman has committed but they lose the ball in their own half, with Reijnders leading the charge as City find themselves 3-v-2 with the away defence.
He finds Semenyo on the right and he cuts in, with the tackle from Burn taking the ball into the path of Reijnders to tap in.
GOAL! Man City 2-0 Newcastle (agg 4-0)
20:32 , Chris Wilson29 mins
GOAL! City should have their place in the final.
They counter from the free-kick and sweep forward quickly. It’s moved wide to Semenyo, who fizzes in a cross that Trippier originally clears high.
However, the ball flies into the air and Marmoush is the only man there to head in unchallenged from a couple of yards!
Man City 2-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:30 , Richard JollyThe thoughts of Richard Jolly at the Etihad:
Tie over, surely. And proof Marmoush is a specialist in scoring against Newcastle. He got a hat-trick against them last season. Now he has a fifth goal at their expense. It is a second scrappy one of the night but Wembley beckons for City.”
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:29 , Chris Wilson26 mins
A bit of a lull inactivity as City knock it around confidently. Newcastle remain a danger on the break but they need to make something happen quickly here if they want to stay in this tie.
They do get a lucky break as Hall dispossesses Nunes before winning a free-kick on the edge of the area.
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:23 , Chris Wilson22 mins
CHANCE! Out of nowhere, another huge chance for Newcastle!
They pump the ball forward and win the initial header, which knocks the ball into the path of Gordon. He only has Trafford to beat but the ‘keeper is off his line well to close him down and make the save.
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:22 , Chris Wilson21 mins
City looking by far the more dangerous in attack at the moment, though their latest corner comes to nothing.
Semenyo tries his luck from distance but it’s drilled well wide.
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:21 , Chris Wilson18 mins
CHANCE! How is it not 2-0?
The hosts get forward and find Marmoush in space. He threads a pass to the overlapping Semenyo, who fires a cross into the space between Ramsdale and his defenders.
It looks destined to be tapped in but O’Relly can’t reach it at the far post!
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:18 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Both sides have settled after that early goal but City are looking extremely comfortable now. They’re happy to sit back whenever the Magpies have possession but they look dangerous every time they get forward.
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:14 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Half a chance for City now as Reijnders gets free in the box, but he flashes a ball across the face of goal rather than testing the ‘keeper.
Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:12 , Chris Wilson9 mins
CHANCE! The Magpies have a chance to reduce the deficit almost immediately but Trafford is off his line well to smother the ball at the feet of Willock before he could get a shot away.
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Newcastle (agg 3-0)
20:11 , Chris Wilson7 mins
GOAL! The hosts are ahead and that could already be that!
Marmoush gets through on the left after a ball over the top. He’s closed down by Burn and the Newcastle man makes the sliding challenge, but the ball rebounds off Marmoush and over the onrushing Ramsdale for 1-0!
Man City 0-0 Newcastle
20:07 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Plenty of the ball for the hosts early on, though no openings so far.
Newcastle happy to sit back and try and counter at the start of this one, but they already look more adventurous than Chelsea were yesterday.
Man City 0-0 Newcastle
20:05 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Ait-Nouri tries to make something happen early on but sees his shot blocked by Trippier.
KICK-OFF! Man City 0-0 Newcastle
20:02 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Etihad!
Goes without saying that the first goal is of vital importance in this one.
Man City vs Newcastle live
19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are out of the tunnel at the Etihad, so we’ll be underway soon in this one.
Will City be joining Arsenal in the League Cup final, or can Newcastle spring a huge surprise this evening? We’ll find out soon.
Guardiola: 'These are always tight games'
19:52 , Chris Wilson“Well it was a good moment, the first season we were out but after we made four in a row, just like the Premier League,” says an upbeat Man City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of kick-off.
“We are back today in the semi-final, we start the game at 2-0, but you know, look at yesterday, Chelsea-Arsenal, these are always tight games and it won’t be an exception today,” he adds as he finishes.
Howe: 'A big task for us'
19:48 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Eddie Howe has to say to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off:
"Big task for us. The start of the game is going to be massive for us. We have to bring positive body language, positive intentions, try and impose ourselves on the game and play our way.
“Very difficult opponents, a very good team we are up against. I think if we are at our very best we can give them a problem.
"There are pros and cons to every system. The system doesn't define how you play, the principles of your play. Today we need to see really good energy, positive actions from the players. We have tried to prepare them so we can hopefully represent that well,” he added.
Man City vs Newcastle live
19:44 , Chris Wilson
Guardiola keeps some big guns in reserve
19:40 , Richard Jolly at Etihad StadiumPep Guardiola takes a 2-0 lead into this second leg but keeps some of his big guns in reserve. Gianluigi Donnarumma was benched at St James' Park and is again, but James Trafford made a fine save in the first leg.
“But now Erling Haaland is among the substitutes; he has been overworked this season and will not be needed if City keep a clean sheet. Also on the bench is a fit-again Ruben Dias.
“Newcastle started without a specialist striker at Anfield on Saturday. There is one tonight, with Nick Woltemade recalled. It looks as though Newcastle are playing with a back three.”
The truth behind Man City’s new ‘reality’ that Pep Guardiola has missed
19:36 , Richard Jolly“That's a nice quote, eh?” smiled Pep Guardiola. And yet, he felt, not one that would change his club’s reputation.
Manchester City were the biggest spenders in the January transfer window and, with an outlay of some £430m in the last 13 months, their expenditure since the start of 2025 has been lavish.
And yet, Guardiola argued, not in the context of half a decade, or a division.
The truth behind Man City’s new ‘reality’ that Pep Guardiola has missed
A tough task for Newcastle
19:30 , Mike JonesNewcastle have not won at the Etihad Stadium since 2014.
If that fact wasn’t enough to deter Eddie Howe’s men, they must also score twice without conceding in order to take the first step towards the Carabao Cup final.
A seemingly impossible task?
Newcastle to make history?
19:25 , Mike JonesNewcastle would become just the second club to overturn a two-goal semi final first leg deficit if they beat Man City and reach the final.
The previous time came in 1994 when Aston Villa trailed Tranmere Rovers 3-1 after the League Cup semi-final first leg at Prenton Park. Villa won the return leg 3-1 and advanced to the final after extra time and penalties.
When is the Carabao Cup final?
19:20 , Chris WilsonThe final of the Carabao Cup will take place on Sunday, March 22 this season, with Wembley the host stadium as always.
Arsenal have already taken their place as the first finalists, but will Man City be able to join them in their fifth League Cup final under Guardiola, or will Newcastle line up at Wembley just as they did last season?
Newcastle 'will give it a go'
19:15 , Mike JonesHere’s some thoughts from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe: "It's going to be an almighty challenge. We believe in ourselves and are going to give it a good go.
“If we have that mentality and attack the game then let's see what we can do.”
Head-to-head
19:10 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 196 times in the past, with City winning 80, Newcastle winning 74 and 42 ending as draws.
Both sides have won win each so far this term, with the Magpies winning the home league match 2-1 before City got revenge in the first leg of the League Cup at St James’, winning 2-0 to put one foot in the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe's team changes
18:59 , Mike JonesFor Newcastle, Eddie Howe looks like he’s setting up with a back three/five this evening.
There are five changes to his starting line-up as Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa all drop out.
In their place come Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade will lead the line with Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Gordon alongside him as Newcastle look to overturn a two goal deficit.
Manchester City team changes
18:53 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has made four changes to the Manchester City team that started the first leg.
The big news is that Erling Haaland doesn’t start and begins the game on the bench with Omar Marmoush preferred to lead the line.
Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez also come in and Rayan Ait-Nouri takes the left-back position.
Alongside Haaland, Max Alleyne, Bernado Silva and Jeremy Doku drop out.
Newcastle team to face Man City
18:47 , Mike JonesNewcastle XI: Ramsdale; Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Trippier, Tonali, Willock, Hall; Ramsey, Woltemade, Gordon
UNITED 👊 pic.twitter.com/1hfLCDC4mb
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 4, 2026
Man City line-up to face Newcastle
18:45 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, Reijnders, O'Reilly; Semenyo, Foden, Marmoush
Your City side 👇
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 4, 2026
XI | Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake (C), Ait-Nouri, Nico, Reijnders, O'Reilly, Semenyo, Foden, Marmoush
SUBS | Donnarumma, Dias, Haaland, Cherki, Rodri, Nypan, McAidoo, Alleyne, Lewis
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/Lk4s3ywh6C
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for each side...
Summer signing Rayan Cherki remains the main injury concern for the hosts after suffering a knock against Spurs, while Ruben Dias will face a late fitness test after returning to training this week.
Savio, John Stones and Jeremy Doku are nearing returns later this month, while Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol remain the long-term absentees.
For the Magpies, Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley will likely miss out, though Sven Botman has been passed fit. Joelinton and Emil Krafth should make returns later this month, while Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar are likely out until March and April respectively.
Story of the first leg
18:30 , Richard JollyHere’s what happened when these sides met in the first leg back in mid-January.
Knocked out of the Carabao Cup in August, Antoine Semenyo may be taking Manchester City to the final of it. And if that made little sense, the rule change that allowed players to represent two clubs in the competition this season had irritated Eddie Howe even before Manchester City’s latest signing threatened to end Newcastle’s defence of their first major trophy since the 1960s.
In previous years, he would have been cup-tied. Not now. “The rules are the rules,” said Howe, but a rewrite to them came at a bad time for Newcastle. Semenyo’s part in Bournemouth’s summer defeat to Brentford might be no impediment to claiming a winner’s medal. His first-leg strike, coupled with Rayan Cherki’s 99th-minute second, means City can envisage a March date with Arsenal or Chelsea at Wembley. “First step to reach the final,” said Pep Guardiola. Newcastle need a turnaround at the Etihad next month and it is a bogey ground. “We haven’t got a good record there, I haven’t good a good record there but records are there to be broken,” said Howe. “We are still alive, still fighting.”
The truth behind Man City’s new ‘reality’ that Pep Guardiola has missed
18:20 , Richard JollyManchester City have fallen in the Premier League’s net spend table over the last five years, but Richard Jolly argues that Guardiola has missed part of the story...
“That's a nice quote, eh?” smiled Pep Guardiola. And yet, he felt, not one that would change his club’s reputation. Manchester City were the biggest spenders in the January transfer window and, with an outlay of some £430m in the last 13 months, their expenditure since the start of 2025 has been lavish. And yet, Guardiola argued, not in the context of half a decade, or a division.
Guardiola knows City will never shed the tag of big spenders. “Never, never, never,” he said. “Always, we will live for that.” But he had looked at the league table and the net-spend charts and, with a hint of mischief, had said: “I'm a little bit sad and upset because in net spend the last five years we are seventh in the Premier League. I want to be the first, I don't understand why the club don't spend more money. I am a little bit grumpy with them.
The truth behind Man City’s new ‘reality’ that Pep Guardiola has missed
Pep Guardiola turns up the heat on Manchester City’s big-spending rivals
18:10 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola used sarcasm and statistics to defend Manchester City against claims the club’s success is down to money.
The City manager pointed out six rival clubs have outspent his over the past five years and challenged them to better his team on the field.
City spent £82.5million to bolster their squad in the January transfer window with the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, continuing a squad overhaul that began last year.
Pep Guardiola turns up the heat on Manchester City’s big-spending rivals
Howe: 'There's no greater challenge'
18:00 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s what Eddie Howe had to say about this evening’s match-up:
"It's going to be an almighty challenge. There's no greater challenge than Manchester City. We believe in ourselves and are going to give it a good go. We just have to try to win the game. If we have that mentality and attack the game then let's see what we can do."
Guardiola: 'It will be a tough game'
17:51 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Pep Guardiola had to say on today’s game:
"We have the chance to make our fifth final in 10 years in the Carabao Cup. I prefer to start 2-0 up but I know perfectly how many times we have played Newcastle - the pride they have.
“They are a Champions League team and it will be a tough game. We have to be prepared and play our game for our people, our fans and try to reach Wembley in March,” he added.
Pep Guardiola: Renee Good and Alex Pretti killings are indefensible
17:40 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has revealed his outrage at what he branded the indefensible killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, as he compared the death of the latter to seeing a nurse in the National Health Service gunned down on the grass.
The Manchester City manager has said he has to carry on speaking up to try and produce a better society, as he talked of his anguish at seeing images of what he called genocide in the Gaza Strip and deaths in Ukraine and Sudan.
Pep Guardiola: Renee Good and Alex Pretti killings are indefensible
Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki facing late fitness test ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
17:30 , Chris WilsonRayan Cherki faces a fitness test to see if he will be able to play for Manchester City in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle.
The summer signing, who was hurt in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham, scored in City’s 2-0 win in the first leg and has found the net in each of their last two games.
“He had a knock and we will see today how he feels,” said manager Pep Guardiola.
City are without the ineligible Marc Guehi while defender Ruben Dias and winger Jeremy Doku remain sidelined, with Guardiola hinting the latter will not be fit for Sunday’s game against Liverpool. “Ruben started to train yesterday and Jeremy not yet,” added Guardiola.
Man City’s Cherki facing late fitness test ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
When is Manchester City vs Newcastle?
17:20 , Chris WilsonThe match will take place on Wednesday, 4 February at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event as well as ITV1. Fans can also stream the game on Sky Go, if you have a subscription, and ITVX.
Predicted line-ups
17:15 , Chris WilsonMan City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Semenyo, Silva, Foden, Ait-Nouri; Haaland.
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Gordon, Wissa, Barnes.
Team news
17:10 , Chris WilsonFor the Magpies, Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley will likely miss out, though Sven Botman has been passed fit. Joelinton and Emil Krafth should make returns later this month, while Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar are likely out until March and April respectively.
Team news
17:06 , Chris WilsonSummer signing Rayan Cherki remains the main injury concern for the hosts after suffering a knock against Spurs, while Ruben Dias will face a late fitness test after returning to training this week.
Savio, John Stones and Jeremy Doku are nearing returns later this month, while Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol remain the long-term absentees.
Man City vs Newcastle live
17:03 , Chris WilsonManchester City host Newcastle United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tonight, and Pep Guardiola’s side have one foot in the final already as they defend their two-goal lead.
The Cityzens beat Newcastle 2-0 at St James’ Park three weeks ago to set themselves up for a fifth League Cup final under Guardiola, though they still need to get the job done at the Etihad against a side that can cause trouble for any team.
While City have struggled themselves in recent weeks, noticeably in the second half of the draw to Tottenham, tonight they face a Magpies side who have been in poor form of late, with that previous loss to City meaning that their defence of the Carabao Cup is hanging by a thread ahead of kick-off.
Good evening
16:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Man City and Newcastle.
City come into the match with a healthy two-goal lead after beating the Magpies 2-0 in the first leg, so the visitors have it all to do tonight if they want to keep up their hopes of retaining the League Cup this season.
We’ll have all the latest news and updates right here.
