After a sensational win against Arsenal at St James’ Park, upbeat Newcastle United are gearing up for another difficult test on Sunday afternoon – this time on the road with high-flying Nottingham Forest. The Magpies are 11th in the Premier League standings, but a victory could see them climb as high as fifth before another international break.
But it won’t be a stroll in the park for Eddie Howe’s men considering the Tricky Trees’ exquisite run of form. They are third in the table behind Manchester City and Liverpool, as their resurgence under Nuno Espirito Santo has been one of the highlights of the 2024-25 season. Both teams should aim for a result at the City Ground and the fixture, therefore, could be a treat for the neutrals amid the likelihood of an end-to-end encounter.
Predicted 4-3-3 Newcastle United Lineup To Face Nottingham Forest
Defence
Nick Pope has been the Toon ‘number 1’ since he arrived from Burnley. The England international is expected to keep his place between the sticks over Martin Dubravka and John Ruddy as he did against Forest in the League Cup second round and survived a thrilling penalty shootout at the City Ground.
Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman continue to be sidelined with their knee injuries and the gaffer should stick with Fabian Schar and Daniel Burn as the preferred central defensive pairing. Valentino Livramento must operate from the right due to Kieran Trippier’s hamstring issue, and the former Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall has earned a starting role down the left after a lion-hearted performance against the Gunners. Matt Targett is back in training after a year-long injury absence, but the Forest tie would be too soon for the Englishman to be in contention for a place in the matchday squad.
Midfield
Newcastle United are blessed to have Bruno Guimaraes who drives the show from the deep with his power, energy and relentless runs. Joelinton must keep doing the ‘dirty work’ with tactical fouls and timely challenges to break down the opponents’ momentum in the centre of the pitch. Meanwhile, the manager might opt for Sandro Tonali over Sean Longstaff for the creative spark and technicality the Azzurri ace offers as a ‘number 8’.
Attack
While Callum Wilson is still recovering from a lower back injury, hitman Alexander Isak has exhibited his poaching traits as an outright ‘number 9’. Anthony Gordon must operate from the right after last weekend’s stellar impact, however, Howe could restore Harvey Barnes in place of Joe Willock to inject more firepower and directness high up the pitch. Jacob Murphy has recovered from his hamstring strain and could be introduced as a second-half substitute.
