England Premier League
Tuesday 26th December 2023
Kick off at 12:30pm GMT
Venue: St. James' Park
Match Preview:
Newcastle have now lost 6 games away from home and won just once as they were beaten by Luton 1-0. This is a club that have aspirations of becoming a top four staple side but it actually felt inevitable that the Magpies were going to struggle against a club who are in the bottom three. There's been a lot of disappointment at the club recently having been knocked out of all European competition plus the EFL Cup. They have also lost 3 of their last four games.
The worry for Newcastle is that they won’t be able to replicate their top four finish of last season and currently they are in 7th place with 29 points and seven points behind 4th placed Tottenham. The good news for Eddie Howe’s side is that they will be returning home for this Boxing Day match where from 9 games they have won 8 and lost just once, home and away really is like day and night for them. Newcastle’s last home game ended in a 3-0 win over Fulham and they have the 2nd best home record in the league.
Nottingham Forest stayed in 17th position as they lost an entertaining tie 3-2 at home to Bournemouth. It didn’t help that they had to play the majority of the game with 10 men as Willy Boly was sent off after two bookable offences. But this is a loss that felt significant given that it wasn’t only at home but was the debut managerial game for new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. New managers usually come in which is followed up by an immediate victory, so this felt like a real downer for the club even if it was a good game for neutrals. With Luton winning this has put pressure on Forest who are just 2 points shy of the bottom three. Forest’s away form is amongst the worst in the Premier League with just 5 points earned from a possible 27 they have lost 3 of their last four games on the road however they were able to draw their most recent one which came against Wolves with that game finishing 1-1.
Team News:
Newcastle: Jamaal Lascelles has a hip injury but it isn’t thought to be serious and he will be assessed. Joelinton is only 50/50 to return from a hamstring injury, Javier Manquillo is struggling to recover from a groin injury. Elliot Andersen and Harvey Barnes are not expected back for another 3 weeks with respective back and toe injuries. Jacob Murphy remains out with a shoulder injury and won’t return for 2-3 weeks. Nick Pope, Joseph Willock and Matt Targett are all out long term and Sandro Tonali is suspended for the season.
Nottingham Forest: Willy Boly is suspended for this game, Serge Aurier only has a 50/50 chance to return with a calf injury and is expected to miss out again. Felipe and Ibrahim Sangare are doubts and will be assessed. Taiwo Awoniyi is out for some time and not expected back until February due to a groin injury.
Newcastle vs Nottm Forest Head to Head:
Last season Newcastle won this fixture 2-0.
Newcastle scored 4 goals past Nottingham Forest in their two games last season.
There is a 70% chance to see both teams to score.
Newcastle vs Nottm Forest Prediction:
This isn’t a good moment for Newcastle but when they are at home they have looked like a completely different side and we expect them to bounce back and win this game. Even though form has not been good they were able to beat Fulham who themselves had shown good form lately 3-0 at home, and this just underlines how strong the Magpies are in front of their own fans.
Nottingham Forest look set to continue their struggle and it will not look good if they lose here and Santo records 2 games and two defeats but they have a poor away record and are about to face one of the best home sides in the league, this feels like a straightforward win and Newcastle cannot afford to drop more points to the top sides.
Newcastle vs Nottm Forest Betting Tips:
Newcastle to beat Nottingham Forest at 1.50
Anytime goalscorer: Callum Wilson at 2.00
Anytime goalscorer: Miguel Almiron at 3.25
The 'PLACE BET' button will take you to BetUK.com, where these selections can be found. Please gamble responsibly, 18+ BeGambleAware.org
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
