Newcastle United will be hopeful of a slightly more low-key Saturday this weekend when they travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Magpies drew 4-4 with Luton Town last time out in a chaotic affair at St James’ Park and know they could fall into the bottom half of the table should they lose to Forest this Saturday. The Midlands side beat the Magpies 3-1 on Boxing Day, with former striker Chris Wood netting a hat-trick in a disappointing defeat for Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle still have an extensive list of injuries heading to the City Ground, meaning Howe needs to start getting a little creative with his team selections. Anthony Gordon is the latest doubt for the weekend, the influential winger picking up a knock against Luton.
Here is how Newcastle could line up on Saturday.
GK: Martin Dubravka – With Nick Pope out for the season, the Slovakian is now Newcastle’s number one. Despite some hit-and-miss displays from the Magpies, Dubravka has been solid in between the sticks.
RB: Kieran Trippier – Speaking of hit-and-miss, Trippier should retain his spot in the starting lineup at Forest. While he has struggled defensively this term, he produced a goal and an assist against Luton last time out.
CB: Fabian Schar – An ever-present in the Newcastle backline, the Swiss defender will be aiming to concede fewer than he did against the Hatters.
CB: Sven Botman – The 24-year-old has slotted back into the team nicely, with an injury to Jamaal Lascelles meaning he’s guaranteed to start on Saturday.
LB: Tino Livramento – Left-back was something of an issue against Luton with Dan Burn struggling to cope with the pace of the opposition front line. Livramento could be due a start after a difficult period for Burn.
CM: Sean Longstaff – Bagged a brace against Luton and is even more crucial to the Magpies given Joelinton’s long-term injury.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – Howe will be praying Guimaraes stays fit for the rest of the season, with the Brazilian pivotal to how Newcastle perform.
CM: Lewis Miley – The youngster has taken everything in his stride during his debut season and has slotted into the Newcastle lineup perfectly.
RW: Miguel Almiron – The Paraguay international was close to a St James’ Park exit in January but now has a huge role to play for the Magpies until the end of the season. Almiron’s energy and relentlessness down the right could unnerve the Forest backline.
ST: Callum Wilson – The absence of Alexander Isak has been sorely felt by Newcastle at times this season, with Wilson yet to show his best so far this campaign. He needs to get amongst the goals again soon.
LW: Harvey Barnes – Gordon’s injury could pave the way for a start for Barnes, who has only featured eight times for Newcastle this term due to injuries. However, he did score off the bench against Luton.
