United go to the Etihad looking to overturn a two-goal defecit in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
Marc Guehi of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 01, 2026 in London, England.
Marc Guehi will not be allowed to feature for Man City against Newcastle(Image: 2026 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
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Newcastle United have it all to do if they are to overturn their two-goal defecit against Manchester City in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg this evening.
Eddie Howe's side will travel to the North West with a clear target, but know the odds are stacked against them reaching a third Wembley final in four seasons.
United are the holders of the trophy, of course, after their 2-1 win over Liverpool in last year's final, and have beaten Premier League opposition in Tottenham and Fulham to reach the last four.
However, goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki in the first leg at St James' Park last month have given Newcastle a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Etihad tonight.
Semenyo's involvement in particular had raised eyebrows, with many unaware of a change in the rules this season which allows players to represent two different clubs in the same competition.
Previously, once a player had played for a side in the FA or Carabao Cup, they were cup-tied and unable to feature for another team if they transfered mid-season.
However, that rule has been scrapped, meaning winger Semenyo was able to start for City in the first leg, despite already playing for AFC Bournemouth in earlier rounds.
Man City were one of the few clubs to be active in the January window, but another of their big winter signings will NOT be able to play for them this evening, thanks to a clause in the rules.
Marc Guehi swapped Crystal Palace for Man City last month, but as the move came after the first leg, he is not eligible to play in the second leg.
The EFL rules state: “A Registered Player shall be permitted to play for up to two clubs in the competition in any one season where such player moved to a different club on a permanent transfer prior to the closure of the Winter Transfer Window, or the first leg of the semi-final (whichever is sooner).”
Newcastle were on the wrong end of the old ruling in the 2023 final, when goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was unable to play, having already turned out for Manchester United in the competition during a loan spell earlier that season.
Nick Pope's suspension meant Loris Karius made his debut at Wembley, one of only two first-team appearances he made for the club.
Speaking of the rule change ahead of the first leg, Eddie Howe said: "Yeah, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him (Semenyo).
"I have to say that's probably one rule change I probably wouldn't be supportive of at this current moment, but Antoine's had an incredible season."
Guehi's absence could leave Man City short at the back, with John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias all expected to miss tonight's match.
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