Newcastle will hope to reduce the seven-point gap between them and the top four when they host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Boxing Day.
The injury-stricken Magpies suffered a fifth defeat in six games in all competitions with a surprise 1-0 failure at Luton on Saturday but have lost just once at St. James’ Park in league action so far in 2023/24.
Forest continue to struggle on the road with just one away league win from nine matches this season and couldn’t make a winning start to the Nuno Espirito Santo era as they were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth. They now sit just two points above the relegation zone.
Here’s 90min’s preview of this Boxing Day clash.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
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United Kingdom |
Amazon Prime Video |
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United States |
nbcsports.com, USA Network, NBC Sports App |
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Canada |
fuboTV Canada |
Newcastle are hopeful of welcoming Joelinton back into the fold after the Brazilian missed clashes with Chelsea and Luton with a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Fulham.
However, Jamaal Lascelles is now in the treatment room after being substituted in the first half of the Luton defeat. His potential absence could mean a first Premier League start for Sven Botman since the 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September.
Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, Javier Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett and Nick Pope are all sidelined by injury, while summer signing Sandro Tonali remains suspended.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3): Dubravka; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Hall; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
Forest couldn’t overcome the red card Willy Boly was somewhat unjustly shown in the dramatic 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth. The former Wolves defender will serve a one-game suspension here.
Nuno may also be without former Atletico Madrid centre-back Felipe who is still recovering from a muscle problem, while Ibrahim Sangare and Serge Aurier are also hopeful of returning in time for the trip up north.
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi remains a long-term absentee and isn’t expected back until March.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Turner; Williams, Murillo, Niakhate, Toffolo; Yates, Mangala; Origi, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood.
Things aren’t looking pretty for Newcastle right now. With their players either injured or on the edge of severe burnout, it could be an ideal time for Forest to attempt to steal some points from St James’ Park on Tuesday.
However, the Magpies remain strong at home and key attacking personnel like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon should thrive against a Forest defence that has conceded 33 goals so far this season.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Nottingham Forest
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