Newcastle and Manchester City Clash in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Newcastle United will host Manchester City in a highly anticipated semi-final of the Carabao Cup on January 13, 2025, at St James’ Park. This match presents an opportunity for Manchester City to prevent Newcastle from returning to Wembley to defend their title. Last year, Newcastle triumphed over Liverpool to claim the trophy and are eager to replicate that success this season.

The reigning champions, Manchester City, experienced an early exit in the previous season, falling to Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round. Despite this setback, City remains a formidable opponent, having conceded just one goal in their three matches of the current competition. The semi-final will be contested over two legs, with the second match scheduled for February 4, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium.

Fans can watch the first leg of this exciting encounter free of charge. Under an agreement between the English Football League (EFL) and ITV, select matches will be broadcast on free-to-air television, including this clash. Coverage will begin at 20:00 local time, and supporters can tune in via ITV1, STV1, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Streaming options include ITVX, Sky Go, STV Player, and NOW TV.

ITV confirmed that they will broadcast a total of 20 matches during the 2025/26 season, comprising 10 Carabao Cup ties and 10 EFL selections. Newcastle vs Manchester City marks the eighth Carabao Cup fixture to be aired. Additionally, the second leg of the other semi-final between Arsenal and Chelsea will also be available on free-to-air television.

Radio listeners can enjoy live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, with pre-match coverage starting at 19:00. Highlights from both semi-final first legs will be featured in a programme airing on ITV4 on January 14 at 23:25.

Both teams enter the match following contrasting victories in the FA Cup third round. Newcastle progressed after a dramatic penalty shootout against Bournemouth, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. In contrast, Manchester City secured a dominant 10-1 victory at home against Exeter City. New signing Antoine Semenyo made a strong impression, scoring on his debut, while academy players Max Alleyne and Ryan McAidoo also netted their first senior goals for the club.

City’s assistant manager, Pep Lijnders, praised Semenyo’s work ethic, stating, “You see in everything what kind of person he is – he’s humble, he’s really hard-working, he’s a machine in terms of pressing. We really like that he’s with us.” As both teams gear up for this pivotal encounter, the stakes are high, and fans can expect an exhilarating match.