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Midweek heralds the return of the EFL Cup as we enter the semi-final first legs. Newcastle United and Manchester City clash at St James’ Park on Tuesday from 20:00 GMT before Chelsea and Arsenal collide 24 hours later. You can follow both ties on television and the best live streaming apps, but which sides will secure a first-leg advantage?
The updated head-to-head stats in the Flashscore app show that the Magpies and the Cityzens have met six times already in this competition. There has been little between the pair, with Man City boasting three wins, while Newcastle have two victories, with one match ending in a draw. A win on Tuesday won’t guarantee a place in the final, but it will help.
Check out any of the big-name bookmakers featured at Flashscore, and you’ll see a wealth of pre-match betting markets available. You can join any bookmaker on this page, make your first deposit and gamble to secure a free bet. Need a helping hand to find the value? Frank Monkhouse has studied the form and provides three selections worth your attention.
Newcastle v Man City tips
Both teams to score @ 1/2 (bet365)
Newcastle or draw @ 7/10 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Total goals - over 2.5
The semi-final first leg of any respected club football competition is always a challenging game to predict. Will the home side try to put the tie to bed at the first time of asking? Will the visitors defend and play to snatch victory in the second leg? We’ll find out on Tuesday, but I’m confident Newcastle v Man City will serve up a few goals to set the pace.
These Premier League rivals met twice last season, sharing six goals. The match at St James’ Park in September 2024 ended 1-1. Man City took all three points when hosting Newcastle last February, easing to a 4-0 victory on a day that Omar Marmoush claimed a hat-trick inside 33 minutes. This fixture has given up 16 goals in the previous five.
Results from previous rounds add weight to our argument that this match will produce more than two goals from both teams combined. Newcastle edged past Fulham at this stadium, beating the Cottagers 2-1. Man City caught the eye when eliminating Brentford from the running, securing a 2-0 home win. Back over 2.5 goals as a single or add it to your multiples.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 3/5 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Newcastle v Man City ends with more than two goals, you beat the bookies and make a profit.
Both teams to score - yes
Another market worth our attention in midweek is both teams to score. It’s one of the most popular ways to gamble on live football today. Simply predict if both teams will score at least one goal each or not. I’m not a fan of clicking no, as it means you’re dreading every attack, which takes some of the enjoyment out of the match and your prediction.
We’re backing both teams to score, and there’s reason to be confident. The head-to-head stats show BTTS was a winning bet when these Premier League rivals crossed paths in late November at St James’ Park. Newcastle secured a 2-1 home win that day, thanks to a double from Harvey Barnes, with Ruben Dias netting a consolation goal for Pep’s team.
Sticking with the H2H stats and trends, both teams scored in two of the previous three meetings. Focusing on games played at this stadium, backing both teams to score has secured a profit in the last three games, with scores of 2-1, 1-1, and 3-2. Manchester City were last in action on Saturday afternoon when easing to a stunning 10-1 win over lowly Exeter City in the FA Cup.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 1/2 (bet356)
Bet explanation: If Newcastle and Man City find the net at least once each, you’ll leave this match with a profit.
Double chance - Newcastle or draw
Our third and final bet at St James’ Park comes from the double chance market, and we’re supporting the home team. Backing Newcastle to win or the match to end in a draw covers you for both outcomes. You now have a two-in-three chance of landing a return, rather than the one-in-three offered by the match-winner betting market.
If you believe Newcastle can extend their two-match unbeaten run against Man City at home, the double chance will appeal. Newcastle are more than capable of winning on Tuesday, but their cash-rich and free-spending opponents arrive in great form. Follow this pick and a 3-0 home win pays the same as a 0-0 draw. It puts you in a strong position.
Trusting Newcastle United against Manchester City in the double chance betting market proved a smart move when the hosts won this fixture 2-1 late last year. It landed bettors a return when the Magpies beat Crystal Palace 2-0 here on Sunday. Other recent results of note include a 2-2 draw with Chelsea and a 2-2 finish with Tottenham Hotspur.
Tip: Newcastle or draw @ 7/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Newcastle avoid defeat at home, you beat the bookies.
Newcastle v Man City
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.