Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
English Premier League, KO: 12:30 Dec 26, 2023, St James' Park
EDDIE HOWE is unlikely to enjoy his turkey and trimmings on Christmas Day with pressure building on the Newcastle United manager.
And he daren't even contemplate anything other than a convincing Boxing Day win at home to Nottingham Forest, who are themselves under new management.
The Geordies were tipped by many to push on after last season's encouraging efforts and perhaps even force their way into a title challenge.
But it's been a pretty dismal effort from them so far and they have particularly struggled away from St James' Park. A 1-0 defeat at Luton Town on Saturday summed them up. Passive and incapable of unlocking defences on the road.
They've now lost at Bournemouth and been thumped at Everton as Spurs as well as crashing out of the Champions League and League Cup recently.
But they are usually far better at home.
New Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo saw his debut ruined as his ten men went down to a late home defeat to Bournemouth. They are just two points above Luton who have a game in hand which would see the Tricky Trees plummet into the relegation zone if they won.
It's now one point out of a possible 21 for Forest after a horror run.
How the bookies view it
Newcastle United are odds-on favourites here at 1/2 across the board really at bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes and plenty others.
Nottingham Forest can be backed at 6/1 with Betfair and the draw is 7/2 with UniBet.
Recent head to heads
Last season, Newcastle completed the double by winning at St James'Park and the City Ground.
Forest haven't won on Tyneside for a league game since 1988.
Players to watch
Alexander Isak came on as a first half sub at Luton but is on a five game drought without a goal as he looks to add to the ten he has scored this season for club and country. He is 6/5 to score anytime with bet365.
New Zealand striker Chris Wood netted for Forest at the weekend against Bournemouth. He is 15/4 to score anytime with the same firm.
Anything else catch the eye?
Newcastle are considerably better at home, but on current form just cannot be trusted at such short odds. Forest showed plenty of determination and fight even with a man down and can at least score here against a far-from-solid Newcastle defence. Back Forest to score before the 79th minute at 10/11 with bet365.
There were 13 corners in Newcastle's game and 12 in Forest's match at the weekend, so we should get over nine corners with Paddy Power at 17/20.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest will be played on Dec 26, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
