Newcastle have won each of their last three meetings with Nottingham Forest, including a penalty shootout in August. They aim for four successive victories in this fixture for the first time since 1937. Forest are aiming for back-to-back victories at St James' Park for the first time in 37 years.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest Preview
Eight seasons ago, these two clubs were meeting in the Championship. Now, this is a crucial clash as both seek to get into the Champions League. Of the pair, it is Nottingham Forest who kick off four places but only six points better off, despite suffering back-to-back away defeats.
Last weekend, Nuno Espírito Santo's side were beaten 2-1 at Fulham, with the match significantly more one-sided than the scoreline would suggest. This was after Forest's 5-0 hammering at the hands of Bournemouth.
In between, bizarrely, the Garibaldi Reds demolished Brighton 7-0, so have won eight of their last 11 Premier League games. Hence why they're third, on course to qualifying for UEFA competition for the first time since 95/96. With Arsenal also visiting the City Ground on Wednesday, this could be a season-defining four-day period for Forest, so can they claim three precious points on Tyneside?
Newcastle United know that they need a victory on Sunday to catapult themselves right back into Champions League contention. Eddie Howe's team found themselves down in seventh, having lost three of their last four in the league, most recently demolished 4-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad which was, indisputably, their worst performance of the season so far.
More concerning, the Magpies have also suffered successive defeats at St James' Park, beaten by both Bournemouth and Fulham, albeit they have since swatted aside Arsenal to reach the EFL Cup Final. Nevertheless, with a trip to Anfield to come in mid-week, Newcastle need a win here to remain in top four contention, making this Sunday afternoon clash crucial for both.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 118.
- Newcastle United Wins: 56. Draws: 27. Nottingham Forest Wins: 35.
Newcastle United Team News
Joelinton is sidelined while Sven Botman remains a doubt due to a knee injury, so Fabian Schär is set to continue to partner Dan Burn at the back. In goal, Martin Dúbravka, who signed a new contract this week, will start an 11th successive Premier League match, having seemingly usurped fit again Nick Pope in the pecking order.
At right-back, Tino Livramento is likely to return after Kieran Trippier was handed a rare start at the Etihad, while Harvey Barnes, an unused substitute last weekend, will be hoping to feature for the first time since the FA Cup tie against Bromley over a month ago due to a thigh issue.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-3-3): Dúbravka; Livramento, Schär, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Willock; Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
Newcastle United Player to Watch vs Nottingham Forest
Alexander Isak has 19 goals to his name this season, one of which came at the City Ground in November, while the Swede has scored 17 in his last 19 league appearances at St James' Park.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Nuno Espírito Santo has switched to a back five in recent weeks but, following Callum Hudson-Odoi's return off the bench at Craven Cottage, it'll be interesting to see if he goes back to the more attacking 4-3-3 shape here. If he does, centre-back Morato will drop out, but Nuno also faces a tough decision in midfield.
Given that both Danilo and Ibrahim Sangaré are fit again following long-term injuries, are they the pairing he goes for, with Ryan Yates, Nicolás Domínguez and Elliot Anderson, who joined from Newcastle last summer of course, all viable options too?
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Danilo, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Wood.
Nottingham Forest Player to Watch vs Newcastle United
Chris Wood scored a hat-trick when Forest most-recently visited St James' on Boxing Day 2023, meaning he's now netted against the Mapgies for three different clubs, so can the New Zealander add to his 18 Premier League goals already this season?
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
This Sunday afternoon clash on Tyneside is so tough to call, that we're sitting on the fence and forecasting a draw, that doesn't really help either: Newcastle United 1-1 Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest Premier League game on TV channel?
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Premier League, Main Event & Ultra HD.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada
How to watch Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest Premier League game on live streaming?
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGO & NOW TV.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League?
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest takes place on Sunday 23 February 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PST).