Newcastle United face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday evening (5:30pm kick-off) aiming to bounce back from dropping points against Luton Town last weekend. That result left the Magpies in 9th place in the table and falling behind their rivals for a European place.
Moreover, this match will have extra significance for Eddie Howe’s side after they were defeated 3-1 by Forest on Boxing Day. That match saw former Magpie Chris Wood net a hat-trick, although injury means he will not feature against them this time around.
Whilst Newcastle’s injury issues have started to subside a little, they will again be without Alexander Isak whilst Anthony Gordon is expected to miss out after picking up an ankle injury against the Hatters.
With that in mind, here, we take a look at the starting side Howe could name for Newcastle United’s clash with Nottingham Forest:
5. LB: Dan Burn
Burn keeps his place in the side this afternoon after a tough afternoon against Luton last time out and in the previous meeting with Nottingham Forest. | Getty Images
6. CM: Sean Longstaff
Newcastle’s midfield was overrun against Forest on Boxing Day and Longstaff, along with his colleagues in the middle of the park, will be hoping to avoid a repeat this weekend. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes will be hoping to control the game on Saturday, whilst also avoiding his tenth booking of the season and thus a two game ban. | Getty Images
8. CM: Lewis Miley
Miley will again be asked to start a Premier League game in the absence of Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson - although the pair could be back in contention very soon. | Getty Images