Premier League: How Long Will Nottingham Forest Sustain Their Hot Run?

Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest’s sudden rise in the Premier League table is a development not many saw coming. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is punching well above their weight this season, as they are the third seed with 19 points after the first 10 matchdays.

They are undefeated in their last four matches, including a three-game winning streak that they plan to extend when they host Newcastle United at City Ground this Sunday.

Newcastle United can somehow relate to Nottingham Forest because they’ve been in their position when they finished within the Top 4 (and almost winning the EFL Cup) in 2022-23. However, things have gone downhill for Eddie Howe’s side since then, and they aim to claw their way back.

The Magpies’ recent form may have been uninspiring, but they’re coming off a huge upset win against the Gunners to put an end to their winless run.

 

Talking Points

Stiff midfield competition for Nottingham Forest

While Chris Wood’s inclusion in the starting XI is a no-brainer considering his rampant form, selecting the people behind him gives Nuno Espirito Santo a luxury dilemma.

During their 3-0 win over West Ham United, Nuno Espirito Santo started Morgan Gibbs-White at the No. 10 position over Elliot Anderson, while Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez formed a double pivot.

Nuno’s choice to start Gibbs-White was easier last weekend since Anderson reportedly struggled with a knock, but the 22-year-old is back to 100-per cent fitness, and he is planning to show his former employers what they’re missing out on after Newcastle United was “forced” to sell him this summer to comply with PSR.

Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White was recently called up to the England national team by Lee Carsley ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League games, a nod to his form and ability.

Overall, this is a good problem to have if you’re Nuno Espirito Santo since this means that there’s competition for places, giving him the option to tinker his squad from time to time.

 

Hall making his mark at Newcastle United

Speaking of England call-ups, Lewis Hall was given one for the first time in his young career because of the team’s lack of depth at left-back and how well he has been playing lately.

The 20-year-old defender has beaten Lloyd Kelly and Matt Targett for the starting left-back berth at St. James Park, as he has started in five consecutive Premier League matches, completing 90 minutes in all but two.

Because Newcastle United have a worrying injury list, with Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Callum Wilson (back), and Jacob Murphy (thigh) sidelined, Hall should continue to start at the back alongside Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, and Tino Livramento.

Despite their lacklustre run of results to start their 2024-25 campaign, Newcastle United have done okay at the defencive end, conceding only 10 times, although they have a goal difference of zero.

They have never conceded more than one goal since their 3-1 loss against Fulham last September.

 

History

Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have already faced off earlier this season during the EFL Cup second round last August. Eddie Howe’s side won that match via penalties (1-1, 4-3 on pens).

Overall, Nottingham Forest have won just one of their 12 Premier League matches against Newcastle United (D3, L8), with their last win being a 3-1 result at St. James Park last season after a hat-trick by Chris Wood.

Newcastle United are undefeated in their last eight Premier League matches at City Ground (W4, D4). The last time they lost to Nottingham Forest on the road was in May 1987.

However, Nottingham Forest have won each of their last three Premier League games, and they could win four in a row for the first time since May 1995.

This is also the first time Nottingham Forest will take on Newcastle United in an English top-flight match while above them in the standings since March 1989.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2024 odds predict a close match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, despite their contrasting Premier League 2024 results.

Newcastle United have the slight edge at 2.48, while Nottingham Forest aren’t far behind at 2.61, and a draw is at 3.18 in the 1X2 market.

Other than going for a Nottingham Forest victory, SBOTOP bettors may also go for a relatively high-scoring affair based on their recent clashes, making options like Over 2.25 at 1.69, Over 2.50 at 1.94, Over 2.75 at 2.21, Total Goals 2-3 at 1.92, or even Total Goal 4-6 at 3.15 worth considering.

   

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