Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United
England League Championship
Date: Friday, 2nd December, 2016.
Kick-Off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Nottingham City Ground.
Newcastle are still likely to field a very strong line-up on Friday night despite having played 120 minutes against Hull City on Tuesday. This line-up is likely to include two familiar faces to Forest fans in the form of Karl Darlow and Jamaal Lascelles with the latter now Newcastle captain. The likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Colback, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle amongst others are also all fit and ready to face the Reds.
As for Forest, Montanier is likely to stick with the same back three of Joe Worrall, Matt Mills and Damien Perquis who were present for both of the recent away victories providing protection to keeper Vladamir Stojkovic. Michael Mancienne may slot in at right back if Eric Lichaj is back fit and able to play left-back.
The midfield is also likely to remain the same with Lam sitting in front of the defence with Kasami and Lansbury ahead of him.
Britt Assombalonga is back raring to go after missing the Barnsley game through injury so he will be expected to start with Ben Osborn playing just off him after a string of impressive performances catching the eye of several Premier League clubs.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United: Head-to-head stats
This will be the first meeting between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United since the thriller during the EFL Cup in 2011. Newcastle came on top on that occasion, only by the help of a penalty shoot-out after the scores were tied at 3-3 at the end of added extra time.
These two teams have only met on 5 occasions since 1998 and Newcastle have won 4 of them suffering just 1 defeat.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United: Prediction
Both teams are in desperate need of a win here as Newcastle want to keep the lead at the top of the table and Nottingham want to move further away from the relegation zone. If you compare the form, Newcastle are a better side as they are the most consistent side in the league this season. Nottingham must be very cautious, as they are facing a top side coming on the back of consecutive defeats.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United: Bet Tips
Newcastle to win at 1.75 (3/4)
Over 2.5 goals at 1.80 (4/5).
