How Newcastle could line up in Premier League clash vs Nottingham Forest

How Newcastle could line up in Premier League clash vs Nottingham Forest

Hoping to build on a morale-boosting victory last time out, Newcastle United travel to West Bridgford to take on a wounded Nottingham Forest side at City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies have been the surprise package of the season, but for all the wrong reasons.

Starting the first of their final three games in the bottom half of the table, Newcastle have become a mere shadow of the side that secured Champions League football last season.

Newcastle are poised to miss out on European football altogether, so they have nothing left to play for this season other than regaining the faith of the fans.

That applies more to manager Eddie Howe, who has been under relentless pressure almost throughout the season, given the club’s shocking capitulation.

Being closer to the relegation zone than to the Champions League places sums up Newcastle’s horrendous campaign, and they have a lot to do to win back the support of the fans.

Their most recent 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion was a good place to start, ending a run of four consecutive Premier League defeats and five in a row across all competitions.

Now up against a wounded Forest side still mourning their elimination from the Europa League semi-final, Newcastle have a decent shot at securing back-to-back wins for the first time since early March.