Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle - Match preview and predicted line-ups

After stopping the rot last weekend with a 3-1 win over Brighton, Newcastle are back on the road this Sunday as we head to Nottingham Forest.

It wasn't a classic last time out, and a case of relief, not rejoice at the full-time whistle, but it was the long-awaited victory we all needed. A big one for an under-pressure Eddie Howe, a win to hopefully boost the players' low confidence levels and an overdue result for us fans to enjoy after weeks of misery.

This weekend at the City Ground, it's our penultimate away game of the 2025/26 season, and a vital one if we're to have any chance of getting back in the mix for Europe.

That win over Brighton has to be the start of a strong finish, not a one-off win, and there'll be no excuses. While we've had a full week on the training ground, which Howe has been asking for all season, Forest arrive having played in a European semi-final on Thursday night, which ended in disaster as Aston Villa blew them away 4-0.

Forest are in form, generally speaking, going 10 games unbeaten before that midweek battering at Villa Park, but we've had a strong record at the City Ground in recent years, winning on our last three visits.

Who starts? 

Unlike last weekend, where we were left wondering just how much Howe would mix it up against Brighton, I don't think there is too much potential for change here.

With Miley and Livramento ruled out for our remaining three games, Trippier looks set to return at right-back, giving him one last dance as he prepares to depart at the end of the season.

At left-back, I expect Burn to keep his place over Hall after helping us to a 3-1 win over Brighton last weekend, with the midfield three of Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton likely to remain.

In attack, Osula will keep his place after three goals in his last four games, and I expect Murphy to continue on the right wing, denying Elanga the chance to start against his former club. On the left, a lot depends on how Gordon has trained following a week full of Bayern Munich links, but I'm backing Willock to keep his place on the left, allowing him to dovetail with Joelinton and (hopefully) link up well with Osula once again.

Predicted Newcastle XI: Pope - Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn - Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton - Murphy, Osula, Willock.

Who wins? 

If Vitor Pereira's recent comments are anything to go by, Forest will be without Gibbs-White, Sangare, Aina, Murillo and Ndoye this weekend.

That, mixed in with Thursday's bruising trip to Villa, puts the onus on Newcastle to impose themselves, build on last Saturday's win over Brighton and deliver a big display needed to keep us in the European mix.

My head says a 1-1 draw, but I'll rule with my heart on this occasion and go with a 2-1 away win for Eddie's Mags.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Newcastle 

Keep the faith. HWTL!