How Manchester City could line up against Newcastle United

Manchester City will be without key midfielder Rodri for Wednesday's EFL Cup showdown with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The Spaniard was shown a straight red card in last weekend's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, meaning that Kalvin Phillips will likely make his first start of the season in midweek, partnering new signing Matheus Nunes in the middle of the park.

Elsewhere, backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is expected to replace Ederson between the sticks, with Rico Lewis and Sergio Gomez occupying the full-back spots, leaving Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake to operate at centre-back.

Erling Haaland will be hungry to enhance his tally on Wednesday, having already scored eight goals in six league outings this term, while Julian Alvarez - who has bagged four goals and four assists across all competitions - should retain his place in the starting XI.

After scoring against Forest last time out, Phil Foden will likely remain in the side, with new signing Jeremy Doku dropping to the bench, paving the way for Jack Grealish to make his first appearance since recovering from injury.

With key performers like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic sidelined through injury, City's bench could feature rising stars such as Oscar Bobb, who was an unused substitute last weekend.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gomez; Nunes, Phillips; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland