On October 5, 2025, Newcastle United will play Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park in the Premier League. This game could set the tone for the rest of the season. After a strong 4-0 win against Union SG in the Champions League, Eddie Howe’s team is ready to take advantage of Forest’s poor form since new manager Ange Postecoglou took over. Postecoglou is dealing with injuries and a lot of pressure. Newcastle’s offensive is starting to come together, while Forest’s defence is weak. This game gives the home team an opportunity to create momentum before the international break. This article talks about the situation before the match, updates on the teams, expected lineups, and a prediction for the game. It also talks about how the two clubs are doing differently.
A Tale of Two Paths: Newcastle’s Rise vs. Forest’s Struggles
Newcastle United is in 15th place going into the weekend. They have only won one of their last six Premier League games, losing to Liverpool and Arsenal late in the game. But their 4-0 triumph over Union SG in the Champions League on Wednesday, their best win in Europe, has given them a boost of confidence. Nick Woltemade’s goal-scoring form and Anthony Elanga’s electrifying performance against his old team show that the attack is ready to connect. Newcastle’s defence is strong, and they haven’t given up a goal on the road this season. This makes them even more determined to move up the table.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, is in shock. Ange Postecoglou took over for Nuno Espírito Santo on September 9, 2025. Since then, his team has lost four times and drawn twice in six games, with little hint of a “new manager bounce.” The team’s 3-2 loss to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on October 2 made things much worse. Fans at the City Ground chanted “sacked in the morning.” Reports say that Postecoglou could lose his job if Forest loses again, which makes their trip to St. James’ Park even more important. followers of Forest are upset about the “lack of identity” in social media messages, while followers of Newcastle are excited about their team’s success in Europe.
Updates on injuries: Newcastle’s depth meets Forest’s defensive problems.
At a very important time, Newcastle’s team is getting stronger. Fabian Schär is returning after a 12-day concussion protocol, which strengthens the defence. Lewis Hall is also available, but he is being eased back in after foot surgery. Jacob Ramsey might be able to rejoin the team after missing time since the 0-0 draw at Leeds. This would give them more options in the midfield. But Tino Livramento hurt his knee ligaments in the loss to Arsenal, which will keep him out for eight weeks. He is anticipated to be back by the end of November. Yoane Wissa, who Brentford paid £55 million for, is having trouble recovering from his knee injury and won’t be able to play until early November. Eddie Howe said that there were no new injuries after the Union SG game, which kept the team in “a good place.”
But Nottingham Forest is hurt badly. Murillo, a centre-back who is very important to their 2024/25 campaign, will have to pass a late fitness test after limping off the field in the 28th minute against Midtjylland with a thigh injury. This is his second injury of the season. After the game, Postecoglou said, “I’m not sure.” I don’t know what’s wrong with him because I haven’t seen him. Ola Aina, the right back, is out for a long time after having surgery on his hamstring. He could not be back until December. Oleksandr Zinchenko, the left back, and Douglas Luiz, the midfielder, are also sidelined until after the international break. Postecoglou said that Zinchenko’s groin problem, which he felt early in a 1-0 loss to Sunderland, is not “significant” but will keep him out for the weekend.
Because to Forest’s lack of defensive players, they had to change their tactics. This problem has now led to some sources such as https://casinocanada.com giving odds of 4/1 for newcaslte to get relegated this season which wont be welcome news for Forest fans. Nicolo Savona, who joined in the summer from Juventus, will probably play right-back, while Neco Williams will move to the left. If Murillo is hurt, Morato may keep playing in central defence with Nikola Milenković, as he did after being subbed out on Wednesday. These players being out of the lineup hurts Forest’s defence, which has given up 15 goals in eight games across all competitions. This is the worst start for their defence since they came back to the Premier League in 2022.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Building on European Success
Eddie Howe is likely to stay with the 4-3-3 formation that beat Union SG, using the same players to take advantage of Forest’s weakness.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope. Even if there are rumours that James Trafford will be the long-term replacement, Pope’s shot-stopping is still quite important.
Defenders: Kieran Trippier (right-back), Malick Thiaw (centre-back), Sven Botman (centre-back), and Dan Burn (left-back) Thiaw and Botman’s relationship was very strong in Belgium, and Trippier’s expertise helps Forest’s wingers. Burn is on the left, while Hall is probably a backup while he gets back in shape.
Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton make up the midfield. Guimarães is a playmaker, Tonali has good vision, and Joelinton is strong. Together, they are too much for Forest’s weak midfield.
Anthony Elanga (right-wing), Nick Woltemade (striker), and Anthony Gordon (left-wing) make up the attack. Elanga provides speed to the game against his old team, while Woltemade’s aerial danger and Gordon’s ingenuity try to break through Forest’s defence.
Howe’s trust in Woltemade is well-placed; the striker has scored in both of his home league starts and is becoming fitter for a 60–70-minute spell. Jacob Murphy’s comeback is tempting, but Elanga’s £55 million move from Forest and good play in the middle of the week keep him in the lineup. Late-game effect can come from players like Schär, Harvey Barnes, or William Osula.
Matz Sels is likely to be in goal for Forest, along with Savona, Milenković, Morato, and Williams in defence. Nicolás Domínguez and Elliot Anderson will be in midfield, and Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Chris Wood will be up front.
Prediction for the Match: Newcastle to Take Advantage
Newcastle has a good chance of winning because they have won eight of their last nine home league games against Forest, scoring an average of almost three goals. Forest’s defence, which has been hurt and has given up goals in all eight games this season, will have a tough time against Newcastle’s newly energised attack. Postecoglou’s style of high-pressing opens holes, as shown by Midtjylland’s 3-2 win. Newcastle’s three midfielders should control the ball. Woltemade could take advantage of Forest’s weaknesses on set pieces, as were shown when they conceded up goals from corners against Burnley.
Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Union SG, on the other hand, gives the hosts the upper hand after Forest’s morale-boosting loss. Postecoglou said that the loss to Midtjylland was “raw and fresh” and told his players to get ready for a “difficult game” in Newcastle’s “cracking atmosphere.” Newcastle is set to win 2-0, with Woltemade scoring and Pope keeping a clean sheet. This is because Forest is missing defenders and isn’t being merciless enough, as Postecoglou said: “We’re making chances but not being ruthless enough.”
A Big Moment for Both Teams
Newcastle has an opportunity to build on their European high against a Forest team that is in trouble and Postecoglou’s career is on the line. Even though the Magpies have a lot of injuries, Schär’s comeback and a stable XI make up for it. Forest’s defence is weak, and they might not have Murillo, Aina, Zinchenko, or Luiz. This will make things worse for them. This game might have a big impact on both Newcastle’s and Forest’s seasons. Newcastle wants to move up from 15th place, and Forest wants to get their first win under Postecoglou. Fans are looking forward to a lively St. James’ Park, with postings telling Newcastle to “send Forest packing” and go into the break on a strong note.
