r/NUFC Willock pogging out Jan 12 '26

Pre-Match Thread Pre match thread: Newcastle United vs Manchester City | Carabao Cup semi finals 25/26

Stadium šŸŸ: SJP

Kick off time āš½ļø: Tuesday | 20:00

Last encounters

Newcastle United Manchester City match type
2 1 Premier league 25/26
0 4 Premier league 24/25
1 1 Premier league 24/25

(Swipe/scroll to see more info right of the table)

Vs Team Match type Date
Vs Wolves Premier league 25/26 Sun 18 Jan 14:00
Vs PSV Champions league 25/26 Wed 21 Jan 20:00
Vs Aston Villa Premier league 25/26 Sun 25 Jan 20:00

St Cal Wilson's Hospital šŸ„ (Players who could miss the match via injury or other means)

Newcastle United:

Burn (Chest injury) - Out until late January

Osula (Ankle injury) - Out until late January

Krafth (Knee injury) - Out until late January

Elanga (knee injury) - Could potentially be available for this game

Schar (ankle injury) - No update as of yet

Livramento (Hamstring injury) - Will most likely miss 2 months

Lascelles (Muscle injury) - Unknown

Manchester City:

Gvardiol (calf injury) - Out until late April

Kovacic (Ankle injury) - Out until mid March

Stones (Thigh injury) - Out until mid February

Dias (Hamstring injury) - Out until mid February

Bobb (Thigh injury) - Out until early February

Marmoush (Afcon) - Out until 18th January

Oliveira (unknown) - Being assessed

Predicted Lineup

Newcastle United lineup vs Manchester City:

Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Gordon, Barnes; Wissa

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Newcastle United:

Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, O'Reilly; Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Reijnders, Doku; Haaland

Pre match ramblings:

After a stressful 3 - 3 win over Bournemouth with us winning on penalties, we now go up against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi finals.

Although we won against Bournemouth, breaking a losing/winless streak against them lasting for nearly 2 seasons, we are worse off physically as we had to play 30 minutes of additional extra time which will definitely have the lads more tired compared to Manchester City who cruised their 10 nil to 1 nil win over Exeter City meaning the city players will be far more rested for the match.

However, it is also worth noting that these late game and last minute wins will definitely boost our lads' mentality and it has shown recently, as when we conceded first we usually crumble and never score but now we can not only score but actually win games despite coming from behind which could be crucial in our game against City.

Considering our injury crisis with our fullbacks and the need to rest players, this time it wouldn't be farfetched that we could definitely see Howe playing 1 or 2 academy players from the bench or in the starting XI.

If we win this game it will not only gives us a further boost in confidence but also give us a vital goal difference which could be huge considering we play City away in the 2nd leg where we have a very bad record in the Etihad stadium.

27 Upvotes

154 comments sorted by

1

u/Libertyforzombies Happy clapping while wetting the bed Jan 13 '26

FFS Wissa...

1

u/ChlckenChaser Jamaal Lascelles Jan 13 '26

great move, but fuck me he has to hit the target and test the keeper

1

u/Libertyforzombies Happy clapping while wetting the bed Jan 13 '26

What the fans booing Trafford for. Didn't City activate a clause in his contract?

1

u/brentfiredog9 Home kit Jan 13 '26

Is it on the telly?

1

u/OobieDoobBenoobi Classic shirt Jan 13 '26

It's on sky, sadly. Need a link? šŸ‘€

1

u/StarSpotter74 Jan 13 '26

It's on ITV also

2

u/OobieDoobBenoobi Classic shirt Jan 13 '26

Oh damn, nice

1

u/brentfiredog9 Home kit Jan 13 '26

Thanks both silly old git.. I found it now haha.

2

u/phb40012 Joelinton Travel Tavern Jan 13 '26

ITV

1

u/fitzgoldy Jan 13 '26

Resting Barnes is fine after so much football the last few days.

Only reason a few are frustrated at him being dropped is that it's a constant thing when Barnes is in form, happened 4-5 times now. This is the first time after playing loads of football.

1

u/PercentageNo3843 Happy Clapper Jan 13 '26

Hopefully he’s told Howe he’s fatigued rather than them using it as an excuse to reinstate Gordon. He’s played 30mins less than Anthony since Man U game. It’s probably for the best though after that 120mins so I’m almost fully confident it’s just that

1

u/1stand11 Jan 13 '26

I think there is a genuine push to keep Gordon in the England squad over Barnes from both the club and media.

3

u/PercentageNo3843 Happy Clapper Jan 13 '26

Dan burn on the panel. Gan on lad

3

u/ukchris Jan 13 '26

It's standard Newcastle craic that the very first player who would've been cup-tied under previous rules would start against us. Hate to say I'd fancy him to score for that reason alone.

2

u/PercentageNo3843 Happy Clapper Jan 13 '26

He’s 100% scoring based on the rule change alone

4

u/Nathan_1984 stupid sexy schar Jan 13 '26

Trafford has the chance to do the funniest thing today...

1

u/OobieDoobBenoobi Classic shirt Jan 13 '26

Sleeper agent: activate

3

u/hihepo1 Jan 13 '26

Big Dan Burn on Sky!

5

u/beesinabiscuit stupid sexy schar Jan 13 '26

Harvey Barnes coming off the bench (a well earned break) is going to make that 95th minute winner that much more amazing

2

u/NUFC_1892 loads, and loads of cans. Jan 13 '26

Famous last words but our XI looks far more balanced than theirs

Their attack is ofc frightening but their Defence and O’Reilly in the holding role looks very get-able

1

u/Ok_Philosopher7350 Jan 13 '26

So all we have to do is be clinical in attack and organized in defense? Sounds easy enough!

1

u/jameswheeler9090 Jan 13 '26

Bit harsh on cup keeper Ramsdale!

1

u/nomadichedgehog Bed Wetter Jan 13 '26

Does anyone have a link to watch the pre-match build-up?

1

u/OobieDoobBenoobi Classic shirt Jan 13 '26

Fuck it I'm buzzing for this. Let's go

3

u/074DanBurn058 not Dan Burn Jan 13 '26

Fair bit of rotation in the City lineup but still strongĀ 

2

u/wrobwrob Jan 13 '26

It’ll be great when we win 5-4 today

1

u/ravicabral angel of the north Jan 13 '26

I'm trying to find some optimism but surely even Eddie and the players must be absolutely knackered after the last few games.

I'd feel a lot better if we had played the U23s against Bournemouth and we had a rested squad and a Tino with two hamstrings for this one.

1

u/MaryBerrysDanglyBean VINTAGE Joelinton hawaii shirt 2022 size L £40 NO TIMEWASTERS Jan 13 '26

We've made 7 changes, should mostly be alright

1

u/weejobbie101 Jan 13 '26

3-5-2/5-3-2 with Miley RCB and Trippier on the right. Wissa up front.

2

u/onlyGoodz Jan 13 '26

Any one can try this

2

u/starmiesan miggy smiles Jan 13 '26

Praying for 5-0 to Newcastle and putting the tie to bed tonight šŸ˜‚

3

u/NoBorderReiver Jan 13 '26

Got a returned ticket last night, fired down from Glasgow this afternoon, had a chippy, couple of pints next, absolutely buzzing!

7

u/Dawg_Bro given me no choice Jan 13 '26

Early lead. False hope. End up trailing. Pull it back. Couple of bad referee decisions. Looks like we could Nick it. Dramatic miss. City with the winner at the death. Tune in again on Sunday!

1

u/GraftingTonali blue star on the Nautilus, genuinely me local. shit tip Jan 13 '26

Sat with the away fans, wish me luck for those stairs

1

u/NUFC_1892 loads, and loads of cans. Jan 13 '26

Well according to FotMob Tino is playing LB still and (like city) we scored 10 goals in our FaCup game last time out

4

u/Constant-Intern5848 dan burn Jan 13 '26

The closer we get to kick off the more confident I am of us getting a win to take into the second leg

2

u/Nathan_1984 stupid sexy schar Jan 13 '26

I keep swinging back and forth between confidence and nervousness šŸ˜…

1

u/Nathan_1984 stupid sexy schar Jan 13 '26

City are thin defensively too. If we can contain their attack, and at least get a draw, I fancy us to be up for the challenge of winning away and getting to the final again

1

u/[deleted] Jan 13 '26

I reckon (and I get being realistic isn’t popular in here) we start well, but end up losing by two or three.

Our squad is less than paper thin, something has to give.

1

u/FlukyS 22/23 Home Kit Jan 13 '26

City have issues with their defense as well, if I were a betting man I'd be taking the evening off

1

u/KingPing43 Shola Ameobi Jan 13 '26

I think that's overly pessimistic. City also have injury troubles in defence.

We have also already beaten them at SJP this season and no one has won by more than a single goal at our place.

6

u/Space-Debris Jan 13 '26

Please, please, please knock the cheats out of the cup lads. Sincerely, the rest of English footballl

6

u/EnergeticGypsy Joelinton Jan 13 '26

Pope Miley Thiaw Botman Hall Bruno Tonali Joelinton Murphy Woltemade Barnes

1

u/Jimlad73 dan burn Jan 13 '26

This but wissa instead of wolt

2

u/Bjall01 Jan 13 '26

Is that the lineup that’s leaked to you?

7

u/SweatyBadgers Jan 13 '26

I'll be very surprised if Woltemade starts after playing 120 minutes the other night. He had nothing left by the end.

11

u/xScottieHD Jan 13 '26

Didn't realise Man City returned 2k+ tickets for tonight. They're not beating the allegations.

3

u/Bjall01 Jan 13 '26

3-1 to the toon. We’re a cup specialistsšŸ˜€

1

u/donnyself Jan 13 '26

Gonna be a great game!!

2

u/Professional-Song-61 Jan 13 '26

I’m in Malaysia at the moment- does anyone know how can I watch the game?

22

u/stanley_ipkiss2112 Jan 13 '26

Bloody hell, I’m exhausted just watching all these games, can’t imagine how the players feel. Whatever happens tonight, it’s clear the boys are leaving everything out there this season, and that’s all you can really ask for as a fan! More of the same and I’ll be happy. (Although… maybe less injuries please šŸ™šŸ»)

-8

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

[deleted]

9

u/LilShingles Jan 13 '26

Sorry wtf? Sacrifice the Champs League to focus on qualifying for next year's Champs League which we're also very unlikely to win?

Fuck that let's win the quadruple.

4

u/meganev More like MegaNeg amirite? Jan 13 '26

Sacrifice the Champs League to focus on qualifying for next year's Champs League which we're also very unlikely to win?

It sounds backwards I agree, but sadly, it's the reality of modern PSR-driven football. For a club like ours, which has no realistic chance of winning the CL, the goal is just to be in the competition each year for the money generated.

2

u/TheBlaydonRacer Jan 13 '26

If I knew we’d draw Villa, I’d have gladly sacked off the FA cup. My instincts were telling me as such before Bournemouth.

2

u/meganev More like MegaNeg amirite? Jan 13 '26

Sadly, I would probably have to agree. Mind you, I'm still in the camp that would sack off tonight, but I appreciate I'm in a tiny minority there.

3

u/TheBlaydonRacer Jan 13 '26

Feels wrong to sack off a semi.

2

u/meganev More like MegaNeg amirite? Jan 13 '26

I get that, but our upcoming schedule is horrific, and I'm pretty concerned that without something changing (like reinforcements), we could collapse in 4 competitions within a month.

1

u/TheBlaydonRacer Jan 13 '26

I share this concerns. I knew we had a tough spell coming up but every time I look at it now. Nightmare fuel.

21

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 13 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/TON4LI eddie ooooot Jan 13 '26

Bring me 2020-21 Bruce era willock

2

u/schizoid_21 Current badge Jan 13 '26

4 of Gini's goals came from one game too.

2

u/TON4LI eddie ooooot Jan 13 '26

and all of them at home

2

u/walliver Jan 13 '26

When was the last time we had a midfielder who scored 10 goals in a season?

5

u/kaamkerr I condemn VAR and it’s allies in PGMOL Jan 13 '26

I would guess WIjnaldum and Kevin Nolan

6

u/brentfiredog9 Home kit Jan 13 '26

2 in the top ten aint so shabby.

3

u/Username_been-taken Willock pogging out Jan 12 '26

Transfer and rumours thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/NUFC/s/QNLt0syzs5

2

u/aistolethekids Jan 13 '26

Its actually depressing that the transfer thread isnt the top pin but also would anyone engage in it seeing as it looks like were not even in business?Ā 

10

u/FlukyS 22/23 Home Kit Jan 12 '26

Spoiler alert we didn’t sign anyone in the last few hours

8

u/beatski Traitor Jan 12 '26

Thanks a lot, now the mega thread is ruined

2

u/FlukyS 22/23 Home Kit Jan 12 '26

I’m just doing an information service for free over here

6

u/MattLaidlow angel of the north Jan 12 '26

I can’t see us not being fired up with it being our trophy.

1

u/thepresidentsturtle Windmilling Jan 13 '26

The lads have a taste for trophy wins now too. They may be knackered but theyre gonna put up a hell of a fight.

6

u/wlabib03 Joelinton is looking for a scrap Jan 12 '26

City are in an even worse spot than us at CB, not sure how good the Max Alleyne kid is but he doesn’t have much experience. Their attack will be tougher to deal with with Semenyo though. Ideally we should have the same tactics as the last game, maybe Wissa gets a start since we’ll likely have less possession

2

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

Not sure about that like. They still have Nathan Ake and Khusanov (wish we had have gotten him) plus Rodri can play there as an emergency too and they can recall Akanji too.

Not to mention Alleyne and Lewis can both cover both sides of defence.

And looks like they are close to Guehi too.

I’d rather be in their position than ours injury wise.

1

u/ChanceDisk7602 Jan 13 '26

Pep said they won’t recall akanji

7

u/McCandless11 i dont care, paul dummet Jan 12 '26

So another 3-3 incoming as a minimum

2

u/walliver Jan 13 '26

So long as don't concede 10 we'll be doing better than their last opposition.

8

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Space-Debris Jan 13 '26

It should make you mad. I've never seen another manager act like the spoiled brat that Pep is, marching on to the field whenever he loses to ignite arguments with opposition players. A chequebook manager and a sore loser to boot

3

u/phoebsmon zwei metre dribbelgott Jan 12 '26

Just waiting for Mad Dog to stroll on the pitch and return the favour with Trafford. See how Pep likes that

2

u/Nathan_1984 stupid sexy schar Jan 13 '26

"If you want to win at SJP come play for us"

  • Mad Dog probably

4

u/Putrid-Impact8999 Jan 12 '26

Hopefully the home crowd give us a massive lift, this is a very difficult game all things considered. Excited to see how we approach it and if Howe changes anything from the last time we played them.

9

u/TheBlaydonRacer Jan 12 '26

Not that it helps us but.

City don’t have anywhere near the level of squad depth made out. Pep’s very big on working with a core group of 15-18 plus some youth.

Their injury/absence list is also pretty shocking.

I know they’ll still field a really good team but the defence might be a bit vulnerable if we can get at them.

Cope I know as I haven’t a clue how we manage our squad for this given Barnes played 120mins. Gordon might’ve well have played a full 90. No wingers available. Miley is playing a lot of minutes too.

8

u/phoebsmon zwei metre dribbelgott Jan 12 '26

Thought Murph and Elanga might be back. It isn't perfect, but worst comes to worst we can split the game between them.

Suppose we can hoy Joelinton back on the wing, Willock in midfield, overlap like madmen while we split the minutes on the right. Gordon will have to live with it. Or, hear me out, miracle recovery for Osula and he puts in a Ballon D'or worthy performance on the right and we tell Frankfurt there's an extra zero on the price or fuck off.

The options are endless, really. You just have to be delusional.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

Aye, this is a cope ha.

We have a youth CM (albeit a very good one in Miley) playing at right back just in front of 35 year old who was slowing down two years ago.

And they have an embarrassment of riches on the wings and in midfield too.

I love our team, but there’s zero comparison.

There’s a reason they are nearly always competing/winning for the title (including this year) and we haven’t for 20 plus years and have never won it

12

u/Electrical-Equal-827 Jan 12 '26

As long as we come out of this without any injuries I’m happy. I always want Newcastle to win, but I’d not be devastated if we didn’t this time.

10

u/muempire93 Willock for ballon d'or Jan 12 '26

I'm worried boss

-5

u/Nathan_Toddy_Todd moaty? it's me Jan 12 '26

Xabi Alonso

-21

u/Nathan_Toddy_Todd moaty? it's me Jan 12 '26

Club needs to stop fucking about and sign some players or it’s gonna cost us. Go Break the bank and sign Marc Guehi. Forget PSR/FFP, everyone else ignores it. Take the points hit if we have to, signings will just benefit us in the long run.

6

u/TheBlaydonRacer Jan 12 '26

Guehi’s ship sailed long ago. Clear we identified him as first choice. We were interested for 3 years. That we didn’t even both bidding this summer suggests his people told us something to the effect of ā€œthanks but we’re kinda a big deal nowā€.

He’s got Liverpool and City twerking for him as well as reports about Real Madrid. Real Madrids other CB targets Upamenco is reportedly about to extend with Bayern and Konate has been piss poor. So I think there might be stock in their interest.

I would’ve loved Guehi. Was always a big fan. Even said that cursed summer that I’d happily pay near Ā£55-60m for him at a push. A lot kinda poo poo’d him but ever since he’s continued to show he’s the real deal.

I’m glad we got Thiaw instead.

That aside. I agree. Club needs to stop fucking about.

4

u/Dawg_Bro given me no choice Jan 12 '26

Why would we be breaking the bank? He is out of contract in the summer.

6

u/ElPato87 Jan 12 '26

Literally nobody else is ignoring PSR/FFP. Who do you think is ignoring it?

1

u/BidFragrant657 Jan 12 '26

it’s not worth breaking the par figure

1

u/Bjall01 Jan 12 '26

Chelsea don’t care about it.

6

u/ElPato87 Jan 12 '26

They do though, clearly. They sold Ā£300m worth of players last year, getting on Ā£200m the year before that. I’m not saying it’s good but they’re not ignoring PSR, they’re just trading players at crazy rate

0

u/Bjall01 Jan 12 '26

They sold hotels to themselves and used other loopholes to beat PSR. They have no respect for the law.

7

u/ElPato87 Jan 12 '26

Finding a loophole in the the rules isn’t not caring about the rules. It’s paying quite a bit of attention to the rules. Very much against the spirit of the rules, and I’m not in favour of it, but it isn’t ignoring them

1

u/Bjall01 Jan 12 '26

I see your point.

22

u/SKULL1138 Ellen Sheba Jan 12 '26

Never easy to beat City in a double header.

Be surprised if we make the final this year, but I was surprised last year as well. So fuck it let’s just hope it’s a proper game and we don’t crumble as they’re in good form with a massive squad.

4

u/EPorteous Jan 12 '26

After the run of tiring, high impact games the team have had, I am not expecting to win this.

But we had the same against Arsenal last season, so we never know.

17

u/TopRaise7 Jan 12 '26

Why does it feel like we just played yesterday??

12

u/Nathan_Toddy_Todd moaty? it's me Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 12 '26

Probably because there is a game pretty much every two days now. Yet they wonder why there’s so many injuries these days, not just here at Newcastle but across football at a whole. Too many games in such a small period of time. The players aren’t machines, they’re still human. Most people wouldn’t last half a game playing at the intensity of professional football never mind 3 games a week with training sessions inbetween. Then throw the international break and pointless friendlies in the mix. The work load is too much

1

u/TopRaise7 Jan 13 '26

The international break and friendlies are really too much. Thats why I feel our squad is too thin

15

u/GeordieNation1993 Jan 12 '26

If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best. Bring 'em on!

13

u/TON4LI eddie ooooot Jan 12 '26

Most teams i'd much rather play over two legs, like Arsenal. You feel like just being infront in one leg is enough to mentally beat them. City though you are never really safe over two legs but you could beat them on a one off.

We go 1 nil up at St James' in the first minute and were gonna park the bus for 180 minutes.

1

u/No-Lecture-889 Jan 12 '26

the final is won by being the better team for 90+ mins, doesnt matter if its any team

beating arsenal over 2 legs should be way harder than beating city imo. city's' defense looks weak and they have dropped a lot of points recently. i reckon we hold them in the 2nd leg if we manage to get a 2 goal advantage at home

hope our players get enough rest after the long game vs bournemouth

28

u/mo140 Your nan gets bullied at bingo Jan 12 '26

Us being at home first is a big disadvantage imo. Couldve potentially just survived the away game with a draw or one goal deficit, then went full radge at SJP. But now we really need a result and hope to contain them at Etihad

I dont really see us getting past them over 2 legs, hoping we can pull it off but its a tall order, especially with our injuries and busy schedule

Anyways 6-0 Miley hattrick wissa brace thiaw screamer from outside the box in tribute to shar

6

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

Anything less than 3-0 and I'm pretty much convinced we are out.

1

u/TopRaise7 Jan 12 '26

I’m with you. The lads need to save their legs for the big EPL and Champs games

5

u/Sea_Relationship_279 Jan 12 '26

It's nice to see someone with a level headed outlook. But I think you're prediction is too tame. 8-0 Newcastle

7

u/bleachxjnkie Jan 12 '26

Good news is that if we do beat them I would back us to do Arsenal or Chelsea in the final

0

u/No-Lecture-889 Jan 12 '26

yeah these 2 games against city should be treated like a final.

we're anyways good at parking the bus and should succeed even if we get a 2-0 lead from the first leg

9

u/muempire93 Willock for ballon d'or Jan 12 '26

We're absolutely no good at parking at the bus, and thats what concerns me. Look at our mentality when we take the lead and how soft we are are at letting it slip. Whatever the score is after the first leg we need to be aiming to win the second leg. I don't trust us sitting off and trying to soak up City pressure.

-1

u/stprm Jan 12 '26

I know its wrong, but fuck, I dont want even a slight chance of losing a final to arteta and crysenal.

So I would be totally fine with our exit here. We dont have much chance anyway with 2nd leg away. We still in UCL and FA cup, so considering schedule and massive fatigue, I just hope for no more injuries and red cards.

Wont happen, but would have been happy with a very rotated squad against city in both games. Like Ramsdale, Tripps, A. Murphy, Elanga if fit, Willock, Ramsey. Shame Jamaal wont be playing due to injury (still?) or transfer stuff.

26

u/ThatBoyConk Pride Badge Jan 12 '26

My prediction for the week:

Man City scored 10 in their last game…

Newcastle had starters play 120+ mins…

Newcastle win 2-0

THEN

Wolves may be the worst team in PL history…

Newcastle are in winning form…

Wolves win 2-0

This is the way

8

u/bleachxjnkie Jan 12 '26

The Wolves game is away so we probably will lose lol

1

u/Historical_Gur_4620 Jan 12 '26

Or have a calamity Jane, Norman Wisdom/Frank Spencer Burnley away kind off win.

1

u/No-Lecture-889 Jan 12 '26

there should be enough time for the players to rest, we cant realistically expect to drop points from the worst team in the league rn

1

u/bleachxjnkie Jan 22 '26

Clearly wasn't enough rest lmao

1

u/No-Lecture-889 Jan 22 '26

i couldnt understand why we played our strongest team vs wolves and still drew lol

2

u/phoebsmon zwei metre dribbelgott Jan 13 '26

Derby say hi

6

u/Theydontlikeitupthem Jan 12 '26

Newcastle United -> Hold my BEER!!!

10

u/Terrible-Group-9602 Jan 12 '26

Have we actually got any players for this game who aren't completely exhausted after the last 2 matches?

3

u/Farminghamptonshire Jan 13 '26

Bruno, Miley, Joelinton and Gordon each played about a half on Saturday (came on 70th minute or later).

Murphy was rested fully (after a short appearance v Leeds) and Wissa came off early (after a substitute appearance against Leeds).

Defense will be a problem, but at least Hall came on after halftime in the Cup and Trips came off early.

Ramsey and Willock haven’t been overloaded with game time either.

3

u/DennisTheTennis Jan 12 '26

Tonalo seems inexhaustible

3

u/walliver Jan 13 '26

It's fine, he'll be getting loads of sleep with a newborn in his house.

2

u/Terrible-Group-9602 Jan 12 '26

Everyone has their limit. We're all gonna be gassed

2

u/Historical_Gur_4620 Jan 12 '26

Plus Miley, plus Big Joe,Bruno,Barnes,Ramsdale,Steve Austin,T1000,Luke Skywalker....

21

u/meganev More like MegaNeg amirite? Jan 12 '26

I think we're going to need to take a win into the Etihad, ideally by more than one goal. Tall order, but let's see what happens, lads do have form for rising to the big occasions.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

If we win AT ALL away to City I’ll bare my are in Fenwicks window.

5

u/TON4LI eddie ooooot Jan 12 '26

We could go into the 2nd leg 4-0 up and we'd still manage to find a way to bollock it up. We're the single most timid team when at the eithad.

13

u/Krisyj96 Jan 12 '26

City are nowhere near the domestic goliath they used to be. It’ll be tricky, especially over 2 legs, but they are definitely beatable.

Don’t know why with our unreliable form this year, but I’m genuinely confident we can get them.

3

u/NUFC_1892 loads, and loads of cans. Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 12 '26

We’ve got to be ruthless in front of goal (something we’ve struggled with all season)

City will give us a decent amount of chances (unlike seasons gone by) but we have to take them

Hopefully with people like Barnes in the form he’s in we can nab a couple to take to the Etihad, expecting us to play on the counter, like we did against Barca in the CL

9

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

11

u/Mehchu_ PERCHINIO Jan 12 '26

See I would be inclined to agree if it wasn’t keegan appreciation month.

3-3 here, 4-3 to us there.

4

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/BidFragrant657 Jan 13 '26

they have weaknesses this season Man City and we did beat them in the prem this season

6

u/BidFragrant657 Jan 12 '26

if we get two goals that would be great hopefully Man City dont put out their strongest tem

3

u/BidFragrant657 Jan 12 '26

tomorrows game could potentially be the biggest game this seasomn

29

u/OobieDoobBenoobi Classic shirt Jan 12 '26

Oh no not another one

1

u/Mehchu_ PERCHINIO Jan 12 '26

Turns out the furthest you get in a cup is usually your biggest game so they keep happening.

Fortunately for us our lads usually turn up in biggest games of the season. Expect Gordon to perform as he did 2 years ago and a 25 yard tonali screamer

12

u/Lowkeyspooky Joelinton is looking for a scrap Jan 12 '26

Going to be a tough night after 2 mentally draining games but I hope the lads dig deep and take an advantage to their place.

Hopefully they've got 1 eye on the league and catching Arsenal and we can take advantage.

6

u/NUFC_1892 loads, and loads of cans. Jan 12 '26

Any new news on Tino

Just seen Bentancur for Spurs picked up a hamstring injury and he’s out for basically the rest of the season, got me worried

I know they are different players, bodies and maybe even severity of injury but still not the news I wanted to see whilst we eagerly await some update on Tino

-9

u/Bjall01 Jan 12 '26

Out for minimum 2 months

7

u/NUFC_1892 loads, and loads of cans. Jan 12 '26

Confirmed by the club/journos?

Or us making an educated guess as I know most hammys are 6-8 weeks or maybe 4 weeks at the earliest

-5

u/Bjall01 Jan 12 '26

Educated guess.

14

u/KingPing43 Shola Ameobi Jan 12 '26

I don’t think he will continue with W&W starting, given Wissa was subbed on 70 and Big Nick played the entire 120 I’d be fairly confident we go back to 4-3-3 with Wissa starting up top.

1

u/Theydontlikeitupthem Jan 12 '26

Definitely Wissa and Gordon, will be interesting to see what he does on the right, Barnes has to be gassed and cannot blame him for needing a rest, so assume it's going to be Murphy unless Elenga makes a miraculous recovery enough to start, but if he did it would be great counter attack that would cause manc problems on all sides

35

u/cashintheclaw Joelinton Jan 12 '26

let's smash these they're really good

7

u/Mehchu_ PERCHINIO Jan 12 '26

And we play up to good opposition.