Manchester City head to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final this week with new signing Antoine Semenyo available to Pep Guardiola thanks to a recent rule change
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits he “wouldn’t be supportive” of the rule change that means his team could face Antoine Semenyo when they take on Manchester City this week.
The Carabao Cup holders face their toughest test yet in their bid to retain their crown. The Magpies will host Pep Guardiola‘s side in the first-leg of their semi-final and the Manchester outfit have been boosted by the recent arrival of Semenyo from Bournemouth.
The Ghanaian, who had excelled with Bournemouth, cost £65million and scored on his debut at the weekend as City smashed Exeter Ciy 10-1 in the FA Cup. Usually he would have to sit out of the game at St James’ Park, owing to the fact he’s already played in the tournament with another team.
However a change to the regulations means that City can still pick the in-form winger, who will be in contention to play from the start. Guardiola is not short of attacking talent to pick from and Howe has confessed he wouldn’t have backed the rule change.
He said: “Yeah, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they’d signed him. I have to say that’s one rule change I probably wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment. But Antoine’s had an incredible season. I’m a big admirer of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a very, very good player.”
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Semenyo is the third top scorer in the Premier League this season – one of only three men to hit double figures at this stage. He was always set to move on in the New Year with his release clause coming into play and City won a race that also included the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.
Guardiola is seeking to win the tournament for a fifth time having won it in four successive years from 2018 to 2021. City are still in contention for every honour this term, but know that Newcastle can knock off the country’s elite sides. Last season they beat Arsenal and Liverpool en route to lifting the trophy.
But whilst City have been able to add mid-season quality to their team Howe admits the PSR regulations, which have held back Newcastle’s investment in recent years, is again going to be a factor in January.
He said: “Regarding transfers, everybody is really supportive. I think the problem for us is PSR. I don’t think there is any issue with anyone saying we can’t do this and we can’t do that. It’s more about what we can do, not what we can’t do. The key thing for us to consider is business now versus business in the summer.
“It’s value for money now, value for money in the summer, and signing the right player. If you sign the wrong player now you are carrying that for a three, four or five year contract. Are the right players available in January? There is a lot to discuss and a lot to consider for our short-term needs and long-term decisions for the football club.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
