Newcastle United will take on Manchester City on Wednesday in the third round of the EFL Cup at St James’ Park.
Match Preview
The Magpies are fresh off a record-breaking win against Sheffield United in which they scored eight goals.
Meanwhile, the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, extended their winning start to the new season with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United’s victory over Sheffield United was historic as they became the first team to have eight different scorers in a Premier League game.
They also registered their biggest away victory in the Premier League era. However, their start to the season wasn’t ideal as they lost three of their opening four matches.
But, they have turned things around with two positive results against Brentford and AC Milan preceding their emphatic victory over Sheffield United.
On the other hand, Manchester City has started this season with six successive wins, a feat that no other team in the Premier League has achieved.
They have also conceded only three goals this season, boasting the best defensive record in the division.
With Guardiola and his players familiar with the EFL Cup triumphs, Man City will be aiming to go all the way in the competition.
Team News
Both teams have some injury issues to deal with for this clash. Newcastle United’s winger Harvey Barnes sustained a toe injury in their last game and joins Joelinton, Joe Willock, and Emil Krafth on the injury list.
Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne remains a long-term absentee, while Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones are expected to miss the game.
Possible starting lineups for the game are as follows:
Newcastle United:
Pope;
Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn;
Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali;
Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Manchester City:
Ortega;
Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gomes;
Nunes, Phillips;
Foden, Alvarez, Grealish;
Haaland
Prediction:
Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City. While Newcastle United will enter this game with a newfound confidence, we can still see them losing against Manchester City.
Guardiola’s men have more quality and experience, so they should be able to secure another victory and advance to the next round of the EFL Cup.