Newcastle United have given their fans some great EFL Cup memories in the last couple of seasons and start their latest bid to lift the trophy with a tough tie on the road at Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Howe led the Magpies to the final in his first season as boss only to be pipped at Wembley by Manchester United. They got their revenge on the Red Devils in last year's League Cup and also beat Manchester City before bowing out with a defeat on penalties at Chelsea after conceding a last-gasp equaliser.
Newcastle seem to take this tournament more seriously than other top flight clubs and it's because they're desperate to end a major trophy drought that stretches all the way back to the late 1960s.
But this is a tough first hurdle against a Nottingham Forest side who have started the Premier League well, with a win and a draw from their first two games.
Nuno Espirito Santo has had time to stamp his own mark on the squad and has a strong first XI when everybody is fit. Forest could also have a decent run in the EFL Cup this term and if they can see off Newcastle it would boost confidence further.
How the bookies view it: Magpies ready to soar
With Newcastle having a strong recent record in the Carabao Cup, Betfred make them 4/6 favourites go through, with the odds only increasing to 6/5 for a win inside 90 minutes. But Nottingham Forest look a bit overpriced at 11/10 to go through with home advantage and 2/1 to finish the job in normal time. The draw at 90 minutes pays 5/2.
Recent head to head: Forest seek another KO blow
There hasn't been much between these sides in recent seasons, with the last 11 meetings producing six Newcastle wins and five Nottingham Forest victories. Three of those meetings came in the EFL Cup and Forest had the edge, winning two of those ties.
Players to watch: Time for a Barnes stormer?
Eddie Howe should freshen things up a little and Harvey Barnes will be pushing for a start after two appearances off the bench. The former Leicester winger has an eye for goal and is 21/10 at Betfred for anytime scorer.
It's a similar story for striker Taiwo Awoniyi as he has come off the bench in Nottingham Forest's first two games. He could get the nod ahead of Chris Wood here and is 7/5 for a goal.
Probable line-ups
I'd expect a few changes from both managers for this EFL Cup tie although they should still field relatively strong sides. Danilo remains out for Nottingham Forest while Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Miley are still injured for Newcastle. Midfielder Sandro Tonali is set to make his long-awaited return after a ban for betting breaches.
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Murillo, Williams, Milenkovic, Toffolo, Yates, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Dominguez, Elanga, Awoniyi.
Newcastle United: Pope, Krafth, Trippier, Kelly, Burn, Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes, Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Anything else catch the eye?
Games between these sides have been thrillers in recent years, with BTTS and over 2.5 goals landing in eight of the last nine meetings. That bodes well for some excitement here but combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals only takes you to 4/6 in a bet builder.
Betting on a close game is more appealing and the half-time draw looks good at 11/8. The weekend games involving these sides both saw 14 corners or more so over 10.5 flag kicks also looks good at evens.
This EFL Cup match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United will be played on Aug 28, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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