Newcastle United have endured a tough start to the Premier League as they sit on the sixteenth position of the Premier League table with just one point. However, Rafael Benitez would have an excellent opportunity to register the first win of the season when they travel to City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Incidentally, this was the same time when these two sides met last season and the Magpies succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at St. James’ Park.
Benitez would hope that a win in the cup tie would kickstart their league campaign, but as they take on Manchester City that also seems highly unlikely. The Spanish manager would have a chance to test some of his young players in this encounter, but he would also be desperate for a win, so it remains to be seen what kind of side the manager will put up for this game.
Team News
Centre back Florian Lejeune is still out with knee injury and continues to be the significant long-term absentee from this side. Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is also set to miss the encounter. Isaac Hayden would be serving the second of his three-game ban for the red card he received against Cardiff City. Jamaal Lascelles and Javi Manquillo could be back for this encounter as they missed the Chelsea game through minor injuries, but it is highly unlikely that Benitez would put them into the first team.
4-4-1-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup Vs Nottingham Forest
Formation (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Karl Darlow is expected to get some game time in cup games, so he is likely to start in between the sticks. Federico Fernandez and new signing Fabian Schar could be the centre back pairing for this encounter. Both of them started the game against Chelsea and did a decent job. 22-year-old Jamie Sterry can get his first start of the season in the right back role as Benitez would try to find out about his bench strength. Down the left, Paul Dummett should get the nod to start.
Midfield
Young Sean Longstaff can get a go in midfield in the absence of Jonjo Shelvey. He is likely to be partnered by the relatively experienced South Korean Ki Sung-Yueng in the central midfield position. Down the right flank, Jacob Murphy should start in place of Matt Ritchie and out on the left, Christian Atsu will be the likely starter.
Attack
Ayoze Perez is likely to start in the role of a shadow striker having sat out the game against Chelsea. Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto could be given the first start of the season, and he could lead the line against the Tricky Trees.
