Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle Preview
- Both teams to score
- Wood to score
Nottingham Forest’s remarkable start to the season continues as they prepare to host Newcastle United at the City Ground.
Riding high on a three-game winning streak, Forest find themselves in the top-four conversation, while Newcastle arrive in Nottingham looking to build on recent successes after ending a tough run of league form.
Nottingham Forest: Aiming for Historic Fourth Win
Nottingham Forest are enjoying a stellar season under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, currently sitting third in the Premier League with a record of five wins, four draws, and just one loss.
Their recent form has been impeccable, with three consecutive wins putting them in line to achieve four Premier League victories in a row for the first time since 1995.
Adding to the excitement, Forest have recently appointed Arsenal’s sporting director Edu, signalling their ambition both on and off the pitch.
Forest’s record against Newcastle has often been close, and manager Espírito Santo has seen half of his ten meetings with the Magpies end in draws.
The last time these two teams met at the City Ground in league action, Forest secured a 1-1 draw. A similarly competitive match is expected this time around as Forest aim to keep their winning streak alive.
Newcastle United: Reclaiming Momentum
Newcastle have recently rebounded from a difficult stretch, recording back-to-back victories over Chelsea in the EFL Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Their win over Arsenal ended a five-game league drought and restored much-needed confidence.
The Magpies have historically performed well against Forest, avoiding defeat in 11 of their last 12 Premier League head-to-heads (W8, D3), and they are unbeaten in all six away league meetings against Forest (W3, D3), the longest such streak they hold against any top-flight opponent.
Eddie Howe’s personal record against Forest has also been favourable, with seven wins from 12 encounters (D1, L4), including a cup victory at the City Ground earlier this season. Newcastle will look to capitalise on their winning momentum to challenge Forest’s strong home form.
Key Players to Watch
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
Wood has been instrumental in Forest’s recent success, scoring the decisive goal in each of their last three wins.
Facing his former team, he’ll be eager to add to his tally and replicate last season’s hat-trick performance against Newcastle. His presence up front will be a crucial factor for Forest.
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Guimarães has a knack for scoring in victories, including both goals in last season’s corresponding fixture against Forest.
Each of his last seven scoring appearances for club level has resulted in a win, underscoring his influence on Newcastle’s fortunes. His contributions from midfield could prove decisive.
Tactical Insights: Forest’s Resilient Defense vs Newcastle’s Rejuvenated Attack
Nottingham Forest will aim to keep their defensive organisation tight, looking to capitalise on counter-attacks and set pieces where Wood has been so effective.
Espírito Santo’s strategy will likely involve neutralising Newcastle’s midfield creativity while exploiting any defensive gaps with quick breaks.
Newcastle, on the other hand, will look to control possession and use Guimarães’s playmaking ability to unlock Forest’s defence.
With their recent upswing in form, Newcastle will be keen to press high and prevent Forest from building any rhythm, while relying on their attacking options to test Forest’s backline.
Final Thoughts
This top-half battle promises excitement as both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United are keen to continue their upward trajectories. With Forest pushing for a historic fourth win and Newcastle seeking consistency, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
Can Forest make it four wins on the trot, or will Newcastle’s unbeaten record at the City Ground hold firm?
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Nottm Forest v Newcastle, 2024/25 | Premier League