Newcastle are back in action once again tonight, playing their FOURTH home game in 10 days as Man City come to town for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The team sheets are in ahead of the 8pm kick-off at St James’ Park, and this is how the two sides line up…
**Newcastle XI**: Pope – Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall – Joelinton, Ramsey, Guimaraes – J.Murphy, Wissa, Gordon
**Subs:** Ramsdale, Trippier, Tonali, Barnes, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, A.Murphy, Neave
**Man City XI:** Trafford – Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake – O’Reilly, Bernardo – Semenyo, Foden, Doku – Haaland
Eddie Howe has made 7 changes from Saturday’s FA Cup win against Bournemouth, with the most notable being Jacob Murphy returning from injury in place of the in-form Harvey Barnes.
As expected, we are without Tino Livramento (out for eight weeks), Fabian Schar (out for three months), Dan Burn, Will Osula, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles once again, leaving us particularly light at the back.
Lewis Miley, who was named player of the round for his stellar effort and winning goal against Fulham in the quarter-finals, deputises in defence once again, whilst the rest of the backline picks itself.
For Man City, Erling Haaland starts as expected, but they are without their two starting centre-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, giving us one key area to hopefully exploit.
Rayan Ait-Nouri makes the bench after Algeria’s AFCON exit, whilst former Toon target James Trafford keeps his place from the Exeter win at the weekend.
Can we make it FIVE wins in a row to kick off 2026? Let’s hope so! Howay the lads.