Newcastle lineup vs. Man City: Predicted XI for EFL Cup semi-final second leg

Newcastle United are set to be without at least six players for Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes missed the Magpies’ 4-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool last weekend with an ankle problem, while Sven Botman and Lewis Miley watched on as unused substitutes and were not brought on as they are carrying respective thigh and ankle injuries.

Head coach Eddie Howe has since revealed that Guimaraes and Miley are both expected to miss out, joining Joelinton (groin), Tino Livramento (hamstring), Fabian Schar (ankle) and Emil Krafth (knee) in the treatment room, but Botman is available for selection.

With Newcastle trailing 2-0 in the semi-final, Howe is expected to name his strongest possible lineup, which could mean that a back four of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall remains intact in front of goalkeeper Nick Pope.

In the absence of Guimaraes and Miley, Sandro Tonali - linked with a deadline-day move to Arsenal - could be joined in a three-man midfield by Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock, the latter of whom has lost more games against Man City (eight) than any other opponent in his career.

Howe decided to begin without a recognised centre-forward against Liverpool with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga all starting in a three-man attack, but he may opt to recall either Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa on Wednesday.

Should either striker start, Elanga would presumably be the one to make way, but either Barnes or Gordon could also drop down to the bench if Howe decides to hand Jacob Murphy a start on the right flank.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon

> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this contest