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.
Team news
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.
Predicted XI
(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.
Match prediction
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!
I am predicting a newcastle victory tomorrow 😎. I’m less optimistic this season but can’t see why we cant qualify for a europa conference league place or even Europa league.
Stem(Quote)
Yep, I want us to start doing it in the league. We have a good chance with the mess Forest are at present, must seize that.
kimtoon(Quote)
I think if we start quick tomorrow and get an early goal we could go on to win quite comfortably.
It’s mad what’s happened to Forest. They gone from a team who all know their role under Nuno to looking clueless under Ange. They still have good players and can score goals but if they are chasing a game there’s big gaps for our forwards to expose.
Sharpy17(Quote)
RIP Willie McFaul 🖤🤍
I never saw him play for us but he was manager when I first started supporting Newcastle in the mid 80s.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah sad news
kimtoon(Quote)
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
We must get a quick start and a quick goal.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I absolutely hate it when sky diminishes the screen during the match to go to another game. I don’t give a monkeys about other games. I want to watch this one. 😡😡😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
No no not Tonali, if he’s injured we are fooked
kimtoon(Quote)
Just said the same, drives me nuts
kimtoon(Quote)
Hope Sandro is ok to play on
kimtoon(Quote)
Forest look much better than I was expecting, first goal so vital , they are frustrating us and look good on the break, this is not a comfortable watch.
kimtoon(Quote)
Rubbish first half. Williams should be off for two yellows. Surely that was a deliberate hand ball there. Yates is a thug. Seem to remember he should have been red carded in a previous match that we played against Forest.
I hope we get better in the second half.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Agree Kim
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gordon and Nicky both out of sorts first half, don’t like the ref today either.
kimtoon(Quote)
How the sh ittin hell was that minimal contact on Burn !, VAR a joke
kimtoon(Quote)
How the goddam ***** is that not a penalty 😡😡😡😡😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Brunoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
VAR better not chalk that off
kimtoon(Quote)
Get innnn brunooooooooo
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Justice
kimtoon(Quote)
More lads more
kimtoon(Quote)
Forest players have been dropping like flies and ref keeps buying it, we are not defending well have been lucky
kimtoon(Quote)
Jesus this ref is hopeless
kimtoon(Quote)
Tonali is so good
kimtoon(Quote)
We really need a second
kimtoon(Quote)
Too many missed chances now
kimtoon(Quote)
Getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Nicky
kimtoon(Quote)
Get innnnnnnn. Big Nick!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well done lads👏
kimtoon(Quote)
Get in! We needed that one.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Completely agree on MOTM Bruno, outstanding today.
kimtoon(Quote)
I really like what I’m seeing from Nick Waltemade. Not just his goals but his hold up play too.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Really scrappy first half – though I never felt like we were under the cosh really.
Second half I thought we were brilliant.
Should have had a penalty with Burn getting wrestled to the ground on the corner – VAR bottled that imo.
Elanga needs to work on his decision making. That’s the only thing letting him down.
CBs just look incredible – is there better in the league??? Might be too early to ask that, but as the season progresses I think it will be fair.
Excellent team performance today 💪🏼🖤🤍
Sharpy17(Quote)