After an encouraging victory in their last outing, Newcastle United head to West Bridgford to face a frustrated Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.
The Magpies have been this season’s biggest surprise, though for all the wrong reasons. Starting the first of their final three games in the bottom half of the table, Newcastle are a pale shadow of the team that secured Champions League football last year. They are set to miss out on European competition entirely, leaving little to play for except restoring fan confidence.
That challenge falls largely on manager Eddie Howe, who has faced relentless pressure throughout the campaign following the club’s shocking collapse. Sitting closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots perfectly illustrates Newcastle’s dreadful season, and they have plenty of work ahead to regain supporters’ trust.
Their 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last time out was a solid start, snapping a run of four straight Premier League defeats and five losses across all competitions. Now facing a wounded Forest side still smarting from their Europa League semi-final elimination, Newcastle have a realistic chance of recording back-to-back wins for the first time since early March.
Despite the season’s disappointment, Newcastle can still make history. The Magpies boast an impressive Premier League record at the City Ground, going unbeaten in their last seven visits (four wins, three draws) and winning each of the last four. If they extend that streak this afternoon, it would mark the first time they have won five consecutive top-flight games against a single opponent.
**How Newcastle could line up**
Howe will likely be tempted to stick with the same lineup that defeated Brighton, but a few adjustments are possible for the Forest clash.
Nick Pope should keep his place in goal, with Kieran Trippier replacing Lewis Miley at right back, joining Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn in defense. Joelinton is expected to partner Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in a typical Howe midfield, while Harvey Barnes starts a Premier League game for the first time in nearly a month. He will likely join Jacob Murphy and the in-form William Osula—who has scored in three of his last four matches—in the frontline.