Semenyo in focus as Newcastle host Manchester City in EFL Cup

Newcastle United host Manchester City in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final tonight, with both sides targeting a place in the final at Wembley.

City’s squad for the tie includes Antoine Semenyo, who joined the club earlier this month from AFC Bournemouth on a long-term contract.

The 26-year-old winger completed a reported £62.5-£65 million move after an impressive spell at the Cherries, where he scored 10 Premier League goals and provided three assists.

Semenyo marked his debut for Manchester City with a goal and assist in a 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City.

The forward is also eligible to feature in the EFL Cup semi-final despite appearing earlier in the competition for Bournemouth thanks to a recent change in the EFL rulebook, rule 6.4, that allows players to represent up to two clubs in the same season’s tournament.

This adjustment has drawn attention around the game. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said on Monday:

I have to say that’s one rule change I probably wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment.

Newcastle United enter the fixture in strong form as defending EFL Cup Champions after winning the 2024-25 final with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years.

Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak secured the win in front of more than 88,000 fans ending a long wait for silverware for the magpies.

The EFL Cup semi-final is played over two legs, with the second leg set for later this month, giving both teams a chance to take control before the return fixture.

Newcastle have been difficult to beat at home, drawing confidence from their cup success and a string of positive results.

Manchester City and Newcastle will both be eager to claim an advantage in the first leg, with Semenyo presence adding extra intrigue to an already exciting EFL Cup tie.

For Newcastle, the tie represents a chance to defend the trophy they lifted at Wembley last season, while for City it is a key opportunity to add silverware to their campaign and test Antoine Semenyo’s strength.

By Ruby Jarrett