Newcastle and Nottingham Forest face off at St. James’ Park on Sunday, and we’ve got all the team news and confirmed lineups, as well as a preview and prediction for the match.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Preview
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest meet on Sunday in the Premier League in what promises to be a high-stakes match, with both teams pushing for European qualification.
The Magpies have enjoyed a solid campaign but are currently sitting in seventh place in the table – three points outside the top four.
A victory against fellow Champions League qualification contenders Forest would propel Newcastle back into serious contention for a top-four place.
Eddie Howe’s side have also booked a trip to Wembley, where they will take on league leaders Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March.
Meanwhile, for Forest, a win in the Northeast could see them close the gap to just three points behind Arsenal, provided the Gunners drop points against West Ham.
A defeat for either side could be capitalised on by the likes of Bournemouth and Chelsea, who are both lurking behind.
A screamer from @fabianschaer! 😱
🔙 #NEWNFO pic.twitter.com/8uaBawpqXP
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 20, 2025
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Team News
Newcastle are still without Sven Botman despite Eddie Howe hinting the defender may return after missing the last two games with a knee issue.
Joelinton is out though Howe expects him to be fit for the Carabao Cup final next month.
Harvey Barnes was back in the squad last weekend but remains an unused substitute. Nick Pope has spent four of the last five games on the bench, but he replaces Martin Dubravka this time around.
As for Forest, they have a fully fit squad. Taiwo Awoniyi is available again after recovering from a broken nose and clearing concussion protocols and returns to the bench.
Callum Hudson-Odoi starts after returning from a groin injury in last weekend’s defeat to Fulham.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineups
Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Miley, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Newcastle’s sluggish display at Manchester City suggested they may already have one eye on their upcoming Carabao Cup final, a common trend for non-elite teams reaching a major final.
Recent history shows a significant dip in form for such sides, with Newcastle themselves failing to win in three league games after securing their Wembley spot back in 2023.
Meanwhile, Forest are in impressive form and on course for a potential top-five finish, with Opta giving them a strong chance of Champions League qualification.
They stunned Newcastle 3-1 at St James’ Park last season while battling relegation—and they’re a much stronger side now.
With Newcastle looking vulnerable, Forest have a real chance to take advantage.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Nottingham Forest
