Manchester City are gearing up to make their “fifth final in 10 years” as they field against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup 2025/26 showdown on Wednesday night.
At his pre-match press conference, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, said, the Club have “the chance to make a fifth final in 10 years” when they face Newcastle United in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi final tie at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 4 February, 2026 at 21:00 (WAT).
The Blues, heading into the game, already have a two-goal lead over the Magpies. The winner will face Arsenal in the final.
On injury in his squad, the Spanish manager said, Ryan Cherki remains doubtful after suffering a “knock”, Ruben Dias trained alongside the team, while, Jeremy Doku is yet to return to training.
In the first leg at St. James’ Park, new signing, Antoine Semenyo, struck first for Manchester City in the 53rd minute before Ryan Cherki sealed it up in the 8th minute of additional time.
Semenyo joined Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth in January following a £65 million fee.
According to Manchester City, at his pre-Newcastle presser, Guardiola said:
On injury updates
“[Cherki] has a knock, we will see today how he feels. Ruben [Dias] started to train yesterday, and Jeremy [Doku] not yet.”
On his side’s readiness for the EFL Cup semi final second leg clash against Newcastle United
“We have the chance to make a fifth final in 10 years. A good result, I would prefer to start with 2-0. I know Newcastle and the pride they have and are a Champions League team. We have to be prepared. See how the players recovered from a tough game at Spurs and we try.”
Next Premier League match for Manchester City
Currently, Manchester City are second in the Premier League after amassing forty-seven (47) points, trailing toppers, Arsenal, by six (6) points.
The Cityzens will face Liverpool in the Premier League match at Anfield on Sunday 8 February, 2026 at 17:30 (WAT).
In their previous top flight matches last weekend, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur finished 2-2 after the Spurs came from two goals down to share points, while, Liverpool came from behind to discomfit Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield.
