Nottingham Forest will be aiming to keep their strong start to the season going when they welcome Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
Nottingham Forest welcome Newcastle United to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon for an exciting Premier League clash. Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, have exceeded expectations this season and currently sit in the top three, while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle look to build on last week’s win over Arsenal as they aim to climb the table.
The home side have enjoyed a sensational start to the 2024-25 season, outperforming some of the Premier League’s elite clubs. With three consecutive wins, including a dominant 3-1 victory over West Ham last weekend, they’ve climbed to third place. Chris Wood has been a revelation up front, scoring his eighth goal of the season against the Hammers, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina added to the scoreline.
Forest’s success at home has been built on an impressive defensive record, conceding only three goals at the City Ground—currently the best home defensive record in the league. With the team sitting just six points behind Liverpool and four points off Manchester City, Santo’s side is riding a wave of momentum as they aim for a fourth consecutive win, something the club hasn’t achieved in the top flight since the 1994-95 season.
Newcastle United also arrive in high spirits after a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend, courtesy of Alexander Isak’s well-placed header from an Anthony Gordon cross. Eddie Howe’s tactical adjustments paid off, with young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall putting in strong performances against Arsenal’s attack. However, Newcastle have struggled to replicate their form on the road recently, picking up just one point from their last three away games in the Premier League.
While Newcastle’s recent away record may cause concern, they have a favourable history at the City Ground, having never lost in six Premier League visits (three wins and three draws). As they sit in 11th place, just one point behind seventh-placed Tottenham, Newcastle will be eager to secure a positive result to keep pace in the hunt for European football. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest head into their clash with Newcastle United with no new injury updates. Midfielders Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare remain sidelined due to ankle and thigh injuries, respectively. James Ward-Prowse, who was ineligible to play against his parent club West Ham, is available for selection but faces stiff competition for a starting spot.
Similarly, former Newcastle player Elliot Anderson is pushing for inclusion but is unlikely to displace the central trio of Ryan Yates, Nicolas Dominguez, and Morgan Gibbs-White, who are expected to start.
In a likely 4-2-3-1 formation, Matz Sels is expected to start in goal. Ola Aina will occupy the right-back position, with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo forming the central defensive partnership, while Gonzalo Moreno takes up the left-back spot.
In midfield, Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates are set to operate as the double pivot, providing defensive support and linking up with the attack. In the attacking midfield line, Anthony Elanga will likely play on the right wing, Morgan Gibbs-White in the central playmaker role, and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left wing, adding creativity and pace.
Up front, Chris Wood is expected to lead the attack as the lone striker, aiming to continue his impressive goal-scoring run and make an impact against his former team.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Dominguez, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has a few injury concerns ahead of their match against Nottingham Forest. Joe Willock, who came off midway through the second half against Arsenal, is expected to be fit and available, with no signs of a setback to his ongoing fitness issues.
However, Newcastle will still be without key players Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Kieran Trippier (thigh), and Callum Wilson (back). On a positive note, Jacob Murphy is set to return from a hamstring problem and could provide an option off the bench.
In a probable 4-3-3 formation, Nick Pope is expected to start in goal. Tino Livramento will take up the right-back position, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn forming the central defensive pairing, and Lewis Hall likely to play at left-back.
In midfield, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joe Willock are expected to form a balanced trio, providing both defensive coverage and support in the attack. In the forward line, Anthony Gordon will operate on the left wing, Alexander Isak as the central striker, and Joelinton on the right, bringing versatility and attacking threat to Newcastle’s setup.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Joelinton
Key Stats
- Nottingham Forest have only won one of their last 12 Premier League games against Newcastle (D3 L8). Their only recent success was a 3-1 victory at St James’ Park last season, where Chris Wood scored a hat-trick.
- Newcastle have played more Premier League away games at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground without losing than at any other ground (6 – W3 D3). Their last top-flight defeat there was in 1987.
- This is the first time since 1989 that Forest face Newcastle in a top-flight match while sitting above them in the table. The last time this occurred, Forest were 5th, and Newcastle were 19th, resulting in a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
- Nottingham Forest have won each of their last three Premier League games. If they secure a fourth, it would be their longest top-flight winning streak since April/May 1995, a season in which they finished third.
- Nottingham Forest have only conceded seven goals in the Premier League this season, with only Liverpool conceding fewer (6). This is their lowest goals-against total after 10 games since their title-winning season of 1977-78, highlighting their defensive solidity.
Player to Watch
Alexander Isak
Known for his composure, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing, Isak has been a handful for defenders across the Premier League. He has already proven his effectiveness against Nottingham Forest, scoring three goals in just two previous league appearances against them.
In this high-stakes clash, Isak’s movement and ability to exploit defensive gaps will be crucial for Newcastle, especially with Forest boasting one of the league’s strongest home defensive records. Isak’s link-up play with teammates like Anthony Gordon and Joelinton will be vital in creating scoring opportunities, and his physical presence and agility make him a threat both on the ground and in the air.
With Newcastle eager to secure points on the road, Isak’s contributions in front of goal could make all the difference. Expect him to be at the centre of Newcastle’s attacking efforts, aiming to break down Forest’s resilient defence and continue his impressive scoring record against them.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle United
Forest’s strong home form and defensive solidity give them a slight edge, while Newcastle’s recent away struggles could prove costly. However, Newcastle’s quality in attack and their favourable historical record at the City Ground means this match could be tightly contested. Both teams have the quality to score, but Forest’s home strength and Newcastle’s road challenges suggest a hard-fought draw is the most likely outcome.
