Eddie Howe’s side head into the second-round cup clash having picked up four points from their opening two Premier League matches against Southampton and AFC Bournemouth. The Magpies have also reached the Carabao Cup quarter-final and final in each of the last two seasons.
While Howe has hinted at changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday, the Newcastle head coach insists he will name a strong side against Forest.
“We'll try and play a really strong team,” Howe said. “We want to progress, we will make changes as well because we have a squad that enables me to do so while not weakening the quality.” Newcastle will be without the likes of Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and the suspended Fabian Schar for the match. But The Magpies will be boosted by the long-awaited return of Sandro Tonali from a 10 month betting ban.
Howe confirmed Tonali would make the journey to the City Ground and could even start the match.
“Definitely be in the squad providing he comes through training,” Howe said during his pre-match pess conference. “He’s fit, he just hasn’t had the match, the 11 v 11 that every footballer will tell you is the most important thing really, the game time.
“He’s completed all of training for a long period of time, worked incredibly hard with the sports scientist team to be on top of his fitness and make sure he’s fitter than when he got banned.”
Here is Newcastle United’s predicted line-up for the match...
5. Lewis Hall - 6
A little sloppy when carrying the ball out at times but improved as the game went on. Had some good defensive moments but also guilty of overcommitting as Forest looked to exploit the gaps he left. Got into some decent areas and threatened the goal. Booked. | Getty Images
6. Sandro Tonali - 7
Played a role in the opening goal just 18 seconds into his return. Was unlucky not to score himself minutes later but was denied by a good save from the goalkeeper. Showed a couple of flashes of quality to bring the ball forward and slip in Almiron. Didn't really get into the game in the second half and was brought off after the hour mark. | Getty Images
7. Joe Willock - 7
Made his first start since April and took less than 20 seconds to get off the mark. Left the field dejected as he picked up another injury and lasted less than 15 minutes. A devastating blow for the midfielder, who missed the majority of last season due to injury. | Getty Images
8. Joelinton - 6
Curled a shot over the bar from the edge of the box after cleverly releasing Harvey Barnes down the left. Won the ball back well at times but still lacked a bit of composure with it at his feet. | Getty Images