Manchester City welcome Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in the League Cup semi-final second leg.
City head into this clash with the advantage after claiming a 2-0 victory at Newcastle in the first leg last month.
Match preview
Man City have won just two of their last five games across all competitions.
The Cityzens lost a two-goal lead to play a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday – the first time they had failed to win a game that they had led 2-0 at half-time since 2018.
Marc Guehi’s arrival and the return of Rodri to full fitness have yet to fully resolve their defensive crisis, while star forward Erling Braut Haaland has struggled in front of goal.
However, City are the favourites for this clash, given their two-goal cushion and Newcastle’s own poor form. The hosts are aiming to reach the final for the ninth time.
The Magpies lost 4-1 at Liverpool on Saturday and have won just one of their last five games across all competitions.
Newcastle have lost in their last 11 visits to Man City, and they face an impossible task on Wednesday.
Team news
City have received an injury boost with manager Pep Guardiola confirming Ruben Dias’ return to training.
However, Rayan Cherki is a doubt, while Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Savinho and Jeremy Doku remain sidelined.
Newcastle are without captain Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento. Lewis Miley is also doubtful.
Predicted line-ups
Man City (4-1-4-1): James Trafford, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Nathan Ake, Matheus Nunes, Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Erling Braut Haaland.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey, Antony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes.
Prediction
We fancy Man City to win 3-1.
Stats from transfermarkt.com.
