- Eddie Howe faces big Newcastle United team selection decisions
- Lewis Miley injury blow
- Nottingham Forest face long list of absentees
Newcastle United secured their first win in six games with a 3–1 victory over Brighton at the weekend. However, the Magpies must secure another victory this weekend if they are to keep their slim hopes of securing European football alive.
Eddie Howe’s side face a Nottingham Forest team who have distanced themselves from the relegation battle in recent weeks and have a massive midweek Europa League game against Aston Villa. Forest picked up a huge three points at the weekend, beating Chelsea 3–1 in an excellent performance with a rotated side.
This game is almost a second priority for Forest, and they will likely have to rotate after going full strength in a bid to reach their first European final since the 1978/79 season.
Nottingham Forest team news
Nottingham Forest’s setup for the fixture against Newcastle is largely unpredictable, mainly due to the Europa League second leg against Aston Villa on Thursday, which takes precedence.
Pereira’s side have done exceptionally well to all but secure their safety, especially amid a minor injury crisis.
Forest were forced into two head injury substitutions against Chelsea, with both Zach Abbott and Morgan Gibbs-White involved in serious head clashes.
It is still unclear exactly how long both will be out, but if concussion protocols are followed in full, both will likely be unavailable for the Magpies’ visit.
Mohammed Sangaré and Dan Ndoye are both doubtful as they deal with minor knocks but could return at the weekend, especially if Pereira opts to rotate after the midweek fixture.
Ola Aina is expected to return for the game against Villa, but given he is just returning from injury, he may well be rested against Newcastle to manage his workload.
Murillo and Jair Cunha are both considered touch-and-go for this week’s games but may be more likely to feature in the Europa League given the magnitude of the fixture.
Forest will also definitely be without Hudson-Odoi, Willy Boly, Nicola Savona and John Victor, who are all out for the rest of the season.
Outs: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Willy Boly, Nicola Savona, John Victor Doubts: Morgan Gibbs-White, Ola Aina, Murillo, Jair Cunha, Mohammed Sangaré, Dan Ndoye
Newcastle United team news
Eddie Howe continues to face some big decisions around his selection but may well stick with the same XI that secured the win last time out.
The manager spoke in his press conference last week about picking players he can trust, which sent a rather harsh but impactful message to some of those not making the lineup.
Anthony Gordon returned to the bench after his hip injury last time out and looked a dejected figure after Howe made his final changes. However, amid growing speculation about his future, with both Bayern Munich and Barcelona reportedly making contact, it would not be a surprise to see Gordon not feature again in a Newcastle shirt.
Nick Woltemade is looking an increasingly frustrated figure as his stint on the bench continues; with William Osula’s goalscoring form ongoing, the German will likely remain confined to the bench. Lewis Hall is another who has been dropped recently, and Dan Burn’s solid performance last time out will do nothing to aid Hall’s bid to regain his starting spot.
Tino Livramento will be kept out once again due to a groin injury suffered against Bournemouth and is another player facing a possible move away from the club.
Livramento’s continued absence has been further compounded by the news that Lewis Miley will miss the rest of the season with a fibula injury. That announcement will likely leave the starting spot open to Kieran Trippier, who is set to leave the club this summer at the end of his contract.
Fabian Schär underwent foot surgery before the Brighton game, while Emil Krafth also remains sidelined as the summer window approaches.
Outs: Lewis Miley, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Emil Krafth
In other news, Anthony Gordon ‘bromance’ could help Newcastle United sign £50m Liverpool star.
