The final game before the second international break of the season, and it feels like a big one.
After a much-needed victory and brilliant performance in midweek, recording our biggest ever Champions League win (4-0) away to Union SG, this is a chance to build genuine momentum and get our season moving in the right direction again.
With just one win in the league so far, a few too many draws and two frustrating late defeats at St James’ Park to Liverpool and Arsenal, Nottingham Forest could to town in what could be an ideal chance to play them.
Following four defeats in his opening six games, Ange Postecoglou’s job at the City Ground is already thought to be at risk, with the Reds gaining anything but a new manager bounce since he replaced Nuno Esparito Santo in a total switch in styles.
So, as we enter the weekend in 15th and desperate to kick on following Wednesday’s European success, this is an important match to push us back up the Premier League table and build on a confidence-boosting display in midweek.
Jacob Ramsey could return to the squad for the first time since our 0-0 draw at Leeds, but Tino Livramento (knee) is out for eight weeks and Yoane Wissa (knee) has suffered a mini-setback that will keep him out until the start of November.
Fabian Schar is back from concussion and Lewis Hall is available, but is being managed by staff as he builds confidence back in his body after surgery on his foot earlier this year.
For the visitors, centre-back Murillo is facing a late fitness test after limping off early in the Europa League on Thursday night, while right-back Ola Aina, left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko and midfielder Douglas Luiz are all out through injury.
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
I have a feeling Eddie Howe will stick by the same 11 that dominated Union SG in midweek.
Schar may be back, but Thiaw and Botman have looked formidable, and his pre-match quotes on Hall offer no guarantee that he’s feeling ready to come straight back into the team.
The midfield three picks itself, once again, and while there may be a temptation to bring Murphy back in on the right wing, Elanga’s electric display in midweek is something we must look to build on as he bids to find his best form following his £55m move from Forest over the summer.
Woltemade’s ability to start three games in a week may have come into question a month ago. However, Howe hinted on Friday that he’s building his fitness nicely and may be in a position to go again, meaning another 60-70 minutes could be on the cards before we see Osula.
I have a good feeling about this one. The two clubs delivered contrasting results and performances in midweek, and the mood around Forest feels negative and fragile after fans called for Postecoglou’s sacking in Thursday night’s defeat in the Europa League.
The visitors suddenly look a soft touch and a side lacking identity, while Newcastle will have been lifted massively by that 4-0 win in Belgium, seeing our wingers finally step up and Woltemade score once again.
Another win, another goal for big Nick and clean sheet to send us into the international break on a high!
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Howay the lads!
Add Comment