Carabao Cup semi-final extra-time and substitute rules for Man City vs Newcastle

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Need to know

Manchester City host Newcastle in the return leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with Pep Guardiola's men aiming to hold onto a 2-0 lead

Manchester City host Newcastle with a place in the Carabao Cup final at stake(Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about Manchester City vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup

1. When and where: Manchester City will host Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The game will kick off at 8pm.
2. How to watch Manchester City vs Newcastle: The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm. Fans watching on the go can tune in via Sky Go or by purchasing a NOW Sports Membership.
3. Away goal rule: This rule does not apply, so if Newcastle were to win the second leg 3-1, making it 3-3 on aggregate, the game will go to extra time regardless.
4. Extra time and penalties: Extra time will be required if the aggregate score is level at the end of the 90 minutes in the second leg. If the score remains level after 30 extra minutes, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
5. Substitution rules: Each team can name nine players on the bench, with a maximum of five changes throughout the game. Both sides have three opportunities - excluding half-time - to make these changes.
6. Extra-time sub bonus: If the match goes to extra time, teams are granted one additional opportunity to make a substitution.
7. What is a concussion substitute?: Permanent concussion substitutes are allowed if a player on the pitch suffers a head injury. This will not count towards the standard substitution limit.
8. Will VAR be used?: VAR will be available for the second leg of the semi-final at the Etihad. While the technology hasn't been used in earlier stages, it is mandatory for the semi-final and final.
9. When is the Carabao Cup final?: The Carabao Cup final is set for Sunday, March 22. With an expected kick-off of 4:30pm, fans will head to Wembley Stadium in London to catch the action.
10. Manchester City team news: It is worth noting that Marc Guehi is ineligible to play as he was not registered and available for the first leg of the semi-final. Josko Gvardiol (leg fracture), John Stones (thigh), Jeremy Doku (calf) and Savinho (thigh) are all out, and Ruben Dias remains a doubt for this fixture.
11. Newcastle team news: Bruno Guimaraes (ankle) and Lewis Miley are doubts for this return leg. Fabian Schar (ankle), Sven Botman (thigh), Tino Livramento (hamstring), and Joelinton (groin) are all confirmed absentees.
12. READ MORE ABOUT MARC GUEHI'S ABSENCE FROM THE CARABAO CUP: Man City hit by Marc Guehi blow for Carabao Cup after January transfer