On Saturday, 10th February, as part of the 24th matchday of the Premier League, Nottingham Forest will play host to Newcastle. Last week, 'The Forest' secured a place in the 1/8 finals of the FA Cup by beating Bristol City, while 'The Magpies' put on a vibrant performance against Luton – ending in a 4:4 draw.
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams, Niakhate, Felipe, Tavares; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi.
Newcastle: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Murphy, Wilson, Almiron.
The match will take place at the City Ground in Nottingham.
This season, Nottingham Forest is fighting to stay in the Premier League. The team currently sits in 16th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone. After a series of disappointing results, Nuno Espirito's team defeated Newcastle (3:1) and Manchester United (2:1) at the end of December, but the team's form has dipped again since. Consecutive losses to Brentford (3:2) and Arsenal (2:2) were followed by a draw against Bournemouth (1:1) last weekend.
Last week, Nottingham fought hard to beat Bristol City in the 1/8 FA Cup rematch (1:1, penalties), thanks to a goal from Divock Origi. Notably, the hosts have suffered five defeats in their last six home games, conceding twelve goals. Nottingham Forest's main forward, Wood (8 goals in Premier League), is sidelined due to injury.
Considered a serious contender for a top six finish this season, Newcastle has failed to live up to expectations. Occupying only the 9th position in the Premier League, 'The Magpies' struggle to gain optimal form and hope that favourable results in domestic cups will earn them a European competition spot.
After four consecutive league losses, Eddie Howe's men secured a 3:1 victory over Aston Villa last week. However, their latest match at St. James Park was disappointing, ending in a 4:4 draw with Luton. Notably, the visitors have conceded at least three goals in six of their last nine Premier League matches.
The 3:1 home defeat to Forrest came as a surprise to 'The Magpies', considering they had not lost in their last seven visits to the City Ground.
Both Forest and Newcastle are desperate for maximum points this Saturday, each fighting for different goals. It's key for the 'Magpies' to reduce the gap from the European zone. 'The Forest', however, will likely face challenges having had a tiresome cup match last week. I back a Newcastle victory.
In seven out of their last eight head-to-head fixtures between these teams, at least three goals have been scored. Both teams have been unreliable defensively, so I expect goals from both sides.
Newcastle is undoubtedly the superior side and will dictate play for all 90 minutes. I expect the 'Magpies' to win in all key metrics, including corners.
Newcastle on average has 2.4 yellow cards per match while Nottingham Forest has 2.2. With intense pressing from both sides, it is reasonable to bet on total warnings over 3.5.
I back a 2:1 victory for Newcastle.
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