Match preview

Nottingham Forest head into this encounter after a difficult and emotionally taxing week, as Vítor Pereira’s men were knocked out of the Europa League following a heavy 0-4 loss to Aston Villa. The defeat not only ended their impressive ten-game unbeaten streak, but also reminded the squad that the battle for Premier League survival is far from over with three decisive fixtures still remaining.

The hosts are also dealing with several squad concerns. Ola Aina and Zach Abbott are ruled out, while Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Dan Ndoye were all left unused in the defeat at Villa Park. Pereira now faces the challenge of rotating wisely without weakening a defense that already looks vulnerable, particularly on the right flank where options are limited.

Newcastle, meanwhile, finally stopped the rot by claiming a 3-1 win over Brighton after five consecutive defeats. Although the performance was not entirely convincing, Eddie Howe’s side will mainly take confidence from getting back to winning ways. The Magpies still have an outside chance of pushing toward the European places despite an inconsistent campaign.

Injuries continue to trouble the visitors as well, with Fabian Schär, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Miley all sidelined. As a result, Kieran Trippier is expected to continue at right-back. Still, the expected central defensive pairing of Thiaw and Botman should add stability, while William Osula’s recent form gives Newcastle a dangerous direct option in attack — something that could prove decisive against a fatigued Forest side.

Probable lineups

Nottingham Forest: Sels, Netz, Morato, Milenković, Paula, Domínguez, Yates, McAtee, Jesus, Bakwa, Awoniyi.

Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimarães, Willock, Murphy, Osula, Joelinton.

Match facts and head-to-head

Newcastle have won each of their last five meetings with Nottingham Forest in all competitions.

Both teams have scored in six of the previous seven encounters between these sides.

Nottingham Forest are still searching for their first Premier League-era home victory over Newcastle at the City Ground.

Three of Forest’s last five matches have ended with one side winning by at least a three-goal margin.

Set pieces remain a major weakness for Forest, accounting for 28% of the goals they’ve conceded this season.

Newcastle have failed to score in only one of their last ten away games across all competitions — against Arsenal.

The Magpies have collected at least two yellow cards in each of their previous seven Premier League away fixtures.

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