Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who are seeking an immediate Premier League response on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest will meet at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, putting in a nightmare performance last weekend as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming away at Manchester City, Newcastle will be desperate to prove that their downbeat display at the Etihad was nothing more than a minor blip. Booking their EFL Cup final ticket earlier in the month as they secured a sensational 4-0 aggregate win against Arsenal, Eddie Howe’s men are looking to make up some ground in the Champions League chase here. However, getting February underway with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Fulham, Newcastle are seeking some much-welcomed defensive steel. Hit with an infamous 4-1 defeat against Bournemouth on January 18th, the Magpies have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Team News
Suffering a knee injury against Fulham on February 1st, Newcastle are once again expected to be without Brazilian international Joelinton on Sunday afternoon. However, the Magpies are hopeful that Sven Botman will be able to return to Howe’s squad this weekend.
Continuing to shine this season and already notching 17 Premier League goals, attacking talisman Alexander Isak will lead the line here. Former Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope will be hoping to make a first top-flight appearance since the start of December.
Nottingham Forest
As for the visitors, while Nottingham Forest might have spent the whole of last season battling it out at the foot of the Premier League table, Nuno Espírito Santo has seen his squad embark on a sensational rise this time around. Cementing their spot as Europe’s ultimate surprise package this year and breaking a string of long-standing records, Sunday’s guests have their sights firmly set on securing a famous Champions League ticket in 2025. However, eventually falling to a 2-1 loss away at Fulham last weekend, the former Wolves boss is searching for some recent stability. Despite getting February underway with a remarkable 7-0 romp at home against Brighton, Nottingham Forest have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
Team News
Nottingham Forest are hopeful that Taiwo Awoniyi will return to Santo’s squad on Sunday afternoon. Heading into their trip to St. James’ Park this weekend, the former Wolves boss has reported a clean bill of health and no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
Now notching eight goals in his last seven appearances against Premier League opposition, ex-Newcastle striker Chris Wood will lead the line on his return to St. James’ Park. Former Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi could make a first Premier League start since January 14th.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider
- When Newcastle and Nottingham Forest met for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 10th, the Magpies collected a 3-1 victory at the City Ground.
- Forest have won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Newcastle have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six matchups across all competitions.
- New Zealand international Chris Wood has recorded eight goals in his previous seven meetings against Premier League opposition.
- Each of the last five meetings between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest has finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Two camps who are seeking an immediate response this weekend, we could be set for an enjoyable affair from St. James’ Park. With Newcastle mustering just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions, chances could come thick and fast on Sunday afternoon. It should be noted, with each of the last five meetings between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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