Nottingham Forest will host Newcastle United after their win in the FA Cup midweek. The Magpies, who lost to the Tricky Trees 3-1 on Boxing Day of last year at St. James’ Park, will be looking for retribution.
Preview (Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United)
Nottingham Forest defeated Bristol City on home ground in a replay on Wednesday night. They needed a penalty shootout after the Championship team held them to a goalless draw. The match had started with a 1-1 tie in 120 minutes. Forest eventually won 5-3 on penalties to set up a fifth-round home encounter against Manchester United. The game saw both teams miss numerous decent chances.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team has now lost all seven of its previous ninety minutes of play in all competitions. It includes all three of its most recent games in the Premier League. They are currently only two points above the relegation zone in 16th place. When Forest made their comeback to the top flight the previous season, they turned the City Ground into something of a fortress. However, this season, they have struggled in front of their supporters. They come into Saturday’s match having suffered five losses in their last six home league games.
Luton took a 4-2 lead thanks to goals from Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo. However, goals from Harvey Barnes and Kieran Trippier allowed the Magpies to salvage a point. After the game, Eddie Howe said that his team still has a lot of defensive “work on” because Newcastle had only given up three goals or more in five of their previous 72 games. Now, they have given up goals in six of their last nine Premier League games.
Team News
As he recovers from a hamstring injury, Nottingham Forest will be without striker Chris Wood, who scored an incredible hat-trick against his old club Newcastle in the rematch. Additionally, Morgan Gibbs-White and Gonzalo Montiel have become doubts following midweek injuries. The three players who arrived on deadline day—Matz Sels, Giovanni Reyna, and Rodrigo Ribeiro—all qualified to play in the FA Cup but Sels, the goalkeeper, is the most likely to start and is in the running.
Nick Pope (shoulder), Matt Targett (thigh), Elliott Anderson (back), and Sandro Tonali (suspended) are also expected to miss the action. Anthony Gordon, who was substituted off the field at halftime against Luton due to an ankle injury, is a major concern for the Magpies. Additionally, both Joe Willock and former Forest player Jamaal Lascelles (both calf) are questionable and will be evaluated before kickoff.
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Newcastle United
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