Newcastle United are aiming to extend their unbeaten run to four games when they visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Magpies were involved in an eight-goal thriller last time out, Eddie Howe’s men drawing 4-4 with Luton Town at St James’ Park. While not the ideal result, Newcastle became the first team to win a Premier League match at Villa Park this season when they beat Aston Villa 3-1 four days prior to their draw with the Hatters.

Nottingham Forest have enjoyed a slight upturn in form under newly-appointed Nuno Espirito Santo, but they’re still far from comfortable. Currently sat 16th and only two points off the relegation zone, the Midlands side will take some confidence from their 3-1 victory on Tyneside back on Boxing Day.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

Chris Wood netted a hat-trick against his former employers in the reverse fixture but will be absent for Saturday’s clash with a hamstring problem. Espirito Santo confirmed he’s likely to be out for some time.

Divock Origi should be fit for the Magpies but Callum Hudson-Odoi, who scored last weekend against Bournemouth, will likely be missing.

Ibrahim Sangare, Ola Aina and Willy Boly are all currently at the Africa Cup of Nations but could return before Newcastle’s visit.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Omobamidele, Murillo, Tavares; Yates, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Reyna; Awoniyi.

Newcastle’s long, long injury list added a new name last Saturday, Anthony Gordon injuring his ankle in the draw with Luton. Howe is yet to clarify when he will return but the winger will be an enormous miss if he’s absent for the trip to the City Ground.

Joelinton, Nick Pope and Sandro Tonali are all long-term absentees, while Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are also sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Joe Willock and Jamaal Lascelles are nearing returns and could be in line for some minutes on Saturday, however, striker Alexander Isak will be unavailable.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3): Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Wilson, Barnes.

Given the lengthy list of players unavailable to Howe at present, it’s always difficult to predict which Newcastle are likely to turn up. A less hectic schedule has allowed for an upturn in form, however, and they will travel to the Midlands as favourites.

Nottingham Forest are also missing some key players but have generally been competitive in games since Espirito Santo’s arrival. But they remain just two points above the drop for a reason and may not have enough to stop the Magpies, who have won their last three away games in all competitions.