Manchester City will look to seal their place in the final of the League Cup as they welcome holders Newcastle United to the Etihad on Wednesday night in the second leg of their semi-final tie.
Manchester City have one foot already in the League Cup final, after winning 0-2 at St James’ Park in the first leg in the middle of January, thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Ryan Cherki.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men dropped points for the fifth time in six matches in the Premier League, as they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at struggling Spurs, on an afternoon in which both of my selections landed, with help from bet365’s Early Payout.
Whilst that draw moved them a point clear of third-placed Aston Villa, the Cityzens have now fallen six points behind leaders Arsenal in the table.
Newcastle also come into this clash after suffering away disappointment in the Premier League despite taking the lead, as they ended up being beaten 4-1 at Anfield against Liverpool on Saturday night, leaving them 10th in the table, seven points outside the Champions League places.
That result continued the Magpies’ struggles away from home this season, with Eddie Howe’s men winning just three of their 16 away matches in all competitions (W3-D6-L7).
How the bookies view it: City expected to advance
Manchester City are heavy favourites to advance to the League Cup final, with bet365 pricing them at just 1/25 To Qualify, but are a backable 3/4 to win on the night.
Newcastle are 31/10 at bet365 just to win inside 90 minutes, but a massive 12/1 to continue the defence of the trophy.
Head to head: City dominance in Manchester
Newcastle United have an absolutely abysmal record away to Manchester City, with the Geordies winning on just one of their previous 23 trips to the blue side of Manchester (W1-D2-L20), losing on each of their last 11 visits to the Etihad.
Players to watch: Semenyo to strike again?
Antoine Semenyo has made an immediate impact since joining Manchester City in this window, with the ex-Bournemouth man scoring four goals and providing one assist across his opening five appearances for the Cityzens, including the second against Spurs at the weekend.
The Ghanaian attacker also scored the opener in the first leg at St James’ Park three weeks ago, and the 17/20 on offer at William Hill for him to Score or Assist appeals to me here.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Manchester City will still be expected to be without the injured Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
Eddie Howe is expected to be without defenders Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento, whilst both midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are doubts.
Manchester City: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Reijnders, Cherki, Semenyo, Haaland
Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Willock, Ramsey, Murphy, Barnes, Gordon
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester City already boast a two-goal advantage – and despite not being in their best form – I’m happy to back them at 5/6 at Betfred to win on the night.
Despite their inconsistencies this season, Pep Guardiola’s men have still won 14 of their previous 17 matches in all competitions (W14-D2-L1) at the Etihad.
As alluded to, Newcastle are poor travellers this season and have an abysmal record at the Etihad, losing on each of their last 11 visits by an aggregate score of 37-3, failing to even score a goal in each of their past seven trips to that side of Manchester.
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