Their win over Wolves last weekend was a hard-earned but deserved victory at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak’s opener was cancelled out by Hwang Hee-chan’s equaliser, but Miguel Almiron’s late strike earned the hosts all three points and reignited their hopes of finishing in a Champions League spot this season.
Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest are next up for the Magpies as they attempt to defeat a Forest side that have lost just three times in-front of their own supporters this season.
But what team will Howe pick for the game? Will he opt to rest some of Sunday’s starters?
Here, we take a look at the starting XI Howe could name for Newcastle United’s trip to the City Ground.
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1. Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe looks on during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 4, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Is this the Newcastle United side that will face Nottingham Forest? (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
2. Nick Pope
Pope has a league high 12 clean sheets this season, but hasn’t kept a shutout in the league since the goalless draw at Selhurst Park in January. Pope will be hoping to collect his 13th at the City Ground. Photo: Naomi Baker
3. Kieran Trippier
Trippier reminded everyone of his quality from set-pieces with his delivery for Alexander Isak’s opener on Sunday. Newcastle will be hoping to control proceedings on Friday night and Trippier could have a few adventures going forward. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
4. Fabian Schar
After missing the game with Manchester City, Schar made his return at the weekend and marshalled the defence well, as he has done for most of the season. Photo: Naomi Baker