Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

February 9, 2024

Nottingham Forest take on Newcastle United at the City Ground in Saturday's late Premier League kickoff.

Forest claimed an impressive 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Newcastle at St. James' Park and are now looking to complete a league double over the Magpies for the first time since 1977/78.

Nottingham Forest Betting Preview (+230 at MyBookie)

Nuno Espírito Santo's side battled away last weekend to pick up a much-needed Premier League point on their trip to the south coast - a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, though it was a result which extended their winless top-flight run to three matches (0-1-2).

That poor run of form means that Nottingham Forest sit 16^th in the table, just two points above the bottom three heading into this weekend, and with a worse goal difference (-13) than both Luton Town (-10) and Everton (-4) below them. Thus, the East Midlands outfit could potentially fall into the relegation zone with another defeat here, even though this seems really unlikely as Everton travel to face Manchester City early on Saturday.

Meanwhile, a dramatic penalty-shootout victory fired Nottingham Forest into the FA Cup fifth round as they beat Championship side Bristol City in midweek. They will now host Manchester United later this month, but first - Forest must focus on their Premier League season.

Most may think that a return to the City Ground should offer The Reds at least some respite, but since they’ve lost five of their last six home games in the Premier League (except a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on 30 December), that might not prove to be the case.

However, inspiration could instead come from their 3-1 win against Newcastle United on Boxing Day in what was Nuno Espirito Santo's first win as Nottingham Forest manager.

The Portuguese tactician remains without the injured New Zealand forward Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick against his former club on Boxing Day, as well as without the Ivory Coast duo of Willy-Arnaud Boly and Ibrahim Sangaré, and Nigeria's Ola Aina, who will all take part in the AFCON final on Sunday.

Divock Origi scored his first goal for Nottingham Forest when he opened the scoring against Bristol City in midweek, but the Belgian forward may have to settle for a place on the bench here, with Taiwo Awoniyi favored to start.

Winter signing Matz Sels looks ready to continue in goal as the Belgian made his Premier League debut in the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth last weekend.

Newcastle United Betting Preview (+110 at MyBookie)

Visiting Newcastle have been struggling with a considerable number of missing players throughout the season and they have been largely inconsistent as a result.

With three wins in their last five matches across all competitions, including a 3-0 victory at arch rivals Sunderland last month, Newcastle are bidding to get back on track when they make the trip to Nottingham on Saturday.

The Magpies sit 9^th in the Premier League table on 33 points and their top-four hopes have suffered yet another serious setback last weekend. Eddie Howe's side played their part in what was likely the Premier League game of the season so far when they drew 4-4 with Luton Town in a roller coaster clash at St James’ Park.

Despite taking the lead twice early in the match, Newcastle once again crumbled defensively to lose important points in their battle for European qualification, leaving them 11 behind fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the round.

Anthony Gordon is expected to be ruled out for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham but the ex England U21 international has reportedly avoided any long-term damage. Still, Gordon was forced to leave the pitch at halftime during his club’s spectacular 4-4 draw with Luton Town last weekend and he was seen leaving the stadium on crutches while sporting a protective walking boot.

With Gordon sidelined, Harvey Barnes is expected to make the starting XI on Saturday if everything goes according to plan. Barnes returned to the Newcastle United attack following a lengthy, months-long absence as he hadn't played since September.

Swedish international Alexander Isak will also miss Newcastle’s trip to Nottingham Forest due to a groin issue, but England forward Callum Wilson ‘looks good’ after his return last week.

All in all, it has been a nightmare campaign for the Magpies on the injury front, with the likes of Nick Pope and Joelinton sidelined for the majority of the rest of the season, while the North East outfit has also been dealing with Sandro Tonali’s ban.

More long-term injury issues for Eddie Howe's selection are Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock, although the Newcastle boss had positive news about the pair, who are closing in on returns.

Possible Starting Lineups of Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest: Matz Sels - Andrew Omobamidele, Murillo, Moussa Niakhate - Neco Williams, Ryan Yates, Nicolás Domínguez, Nuno Tavares - Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White - Taiwo Awoniyi. (3-4-2-1)

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka - Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn - Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley - Miguel Almirón, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes. (4-3-3)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

Newcastle have faced the most shots on target (46) of any side over the past five Premier League rounds. That's definitely something Forest will be looking to exploit on Saturday.

Eddie Howe's side, on the other hand, have scored two or more goals in each of their last six matches in all competitions and will be looking to continue their attacking form.

However, Newcastle's defensive deficiencies have been the main issue this season. By conceding 15 goals only in their last five Premier League matches, Eddie Howe's side took their tally to 37 this term, already four more than their entire 2022-23 season.

Furthermore, Newcastle were winless in seven consecutive top-flight away games (losing five in a row) prior to the 3-1 win at Aston Villa 10 days ago. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet across their last eight trips in the league - since the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September.

Spooky Express Free Play: Over 3 Goals +110 at MyBookie for 5/10 Units

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