Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Not many would have had this as a battle for UEFA Champions League qualification a few months ago but it very much is as Nottingham Forest travel to Newcastle United this week.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 23rd February, 2025: UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Telemundo
Newcastle Preview: Poor league form
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United enjoyed some extremely impressive league form through the winter and that has combined with reaching the final of the EFL Cup after a 4-0 aggregate victory over Arsenal as well as heading into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
However, the Magpies come into this one on the back of a 4-0 hammering at the hands of an inconsistent and unpredictable Manchester City side at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, meaning they have managed suffered three defeats in their last four games in the league.
Nottingham Forest Preview: Need another response
After being hammered 5-0 by AFC Bournemouth last month, Nottingham Forest bounced back by annihilating Brighton and Hove Albion by seven goals to nil a week later but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will have to once again react to a defeat this weekend.
On the back of a penalty shootout win over League One side Exeter City in the cup, Forest travelled to the capital city and suffered a 2-1 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage, cutting the gap they have built up between themselves and fourth downwards ahead of this match day.
Newcastle Team News: Botman likely out
It looks as though Netherlands international centre-back Sven Botman will be unavailable for Newcastle this weekend and will face an assessment ahead of next midweek's trip to Liverpool. They also remain without club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Brazil international midfielder Joelinton.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Unavailable: Lascelles (Injured), Joelinton (Injured)
Questionable: Botman (Injured)
Nottingham Forest Team News: Awoniyi returns
Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Taiwo Awoniyi has been cleared to play this weekend after following the concussion protocols following his injury against Exeter City in the FA Cup. They will remain without back-up goalkeeper Carlos Miguel due to injury, though.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Unavailable: Miguel (Injured)
Questionable:
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Newcastle United discovered a fluency that had been missing when they embarked upon their impressive run of form through December and January. Eddie Howe now has the task of halting a mini slide amid the distraction of their trip to Wembley Stadium next month. Nottingham Forest hammered Newcastle at St James’ Park on Boxing Day last season with Chris Wood notching an excellent hat-trick and they will fancy their chances on the counter-attack once again this weekend. Both teams scoring would appear a good bet for this one.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Tip: Both teams to score
