N'Forest vs Newcastle: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

On Wednesday, Nottingham Forest will host Newcastle United at the City Ground in an all-Premier League encounter in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Both teams have gotten off to good starts in the league thus far, with four points each after two games. In this tournament, they'll aim to replicate their impressive performances from the 2022–23 season.

Previous Matches and head-to-head

Forest is now in the top seven after taking advantage of some fortunate matchups to begin the season.

While Nuno Espirito Santo's squad came within minutes of beating Bournemouth on the first day, they could only hold on for a 1-0 victory against Southampton on Saturday.

Forest dominated the Saints game from the opening to the final whistle despite only having 35% possession. They outshot their opponents 23–5 and had an xG almost two higher than their opponents.

Forest will be looking to keep their winning streak against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are still smarting after their 6-2 loss last weekend.

For the time being, however, the focus is on the cup, and Nuno will aim to replicate the heroics that got the Forest fans to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup 18 months ago.

Burnley eliminated Forest in the second round, their sixth loss at that level this century, although that was last season when Manchester United terminated their cup ambitions.

Since Forest also lost in the first round six times over the same period when playing in the English Football League, it's safe to say that they're no strangers to early elimination.

However, they have succeeded against Newcastle in this tournament, eliminating the Magpies in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018.

Last season, Eddie Howe's Newcastle were eliminated in the quarterfinals after reaching the finals in 2023. They were defeated in a penalty shootout at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea, the same Manchester United team beating Forest in the semi-finals.

Returning to form after their Champions League antics last season, Newcastle again found themselves in the second round. Since 2017, they have lost in this round four times, twice to Forest.

So far, Newcastle has been very lucky to have four points, so there's no question they need to improve if they want to be a league and cup contender.

Southampton missed many opportunities at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday in their season opener. However, the Magpies still managed to pull off a 1-0 victory despite playing with ten men for over an hour. Only a controversial video assistant referee decision saved Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara from a late winner.

Howe's squad showed improvement in the second half and had a chance to win it all on the South Coast, which is promising. They also gained their first point of the season from Anthony Gordon, who will be an essential cog in their success this year.

Nottingham Forest x Newcastle Team News

Except for Danilo, who suffered a terrible ankle break in Bournemouth's 1-1 draw, Nuno has a complete roster to pick from for Forest.

The intriguing Jota Silva might make his complete debut, while Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been out with an injury lately, could get the nod to get back into match shape.

Willy Boly and Ryan Yates were both benched for Saturday's match against St. Mary's, but Nuno might start them today if he decides to rotate.

Sandro Tonali's suspension for gambling rule violations expires this week, making the Italian eligible for selection. However, Howe may decide against starting the big-money acquisition due to his lack of match sharpness.

However, the side also deals with injuries and bans, particularly in defence. Fabian Schar, who received a three-match ban for his headbutt on Ben Brereton Diaz, will serve the second game of that ban here.

Newcastle may not play many changes for their trip to Nottingham due to injuries to Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and teenage midfielder Lewis Miley.

Our Predictions

Newcastle to win @ 2.18 on Sky247.ng

With fewer options for starters and bench warmers, Howe may be forced to deploy a strong Newcastle side tonight. This might work out well for the Magpies, who aseekrevenge for their ttwo-cuplosses to Forest in the late 2010s.

Although the hosts have gotten off to a strong start in the league, they will undoubtedly have a more challenging opponent today than Southampton last weekend.

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