Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest: A Crucial Premier League Clash with Champions League Implications
With just 13 games left in this gripping Premier League season, the race for European qualification is heating up. Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are both in the thick of the battle for a UEFA Champions League spot, making their Sunday showdown at St. James’ Park (9 AM ET) a must-watch encounter. It’s a game that could very well shape the fate of both clubs as they push toward a historic campaign.
Where and How to Watch Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest
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Kickoff Time: Sunday, 9 AM ET
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Venue: St. James’ Park — Newcastle
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TV Channel: USA Network
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Streaming: Watch live online via NBC.com
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Live Score Updates: Coverage starts at kickoff (9 AM ET)
If you’re looking to catch the action live, make sure to tune in via USA Network or stream it online. This high-stakes matchup is expected to deliver excitement, drama, and some edge-of-your-seat moments as both teams battle for a coveted European spot.
Lineups for Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United Starting XI:
Pope, Hall, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Miley, Willock, Gordon, Murphy, Isak
Nottingham Forest Starting XI:
Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood
Both teams boast attacking firepower, and their tactical setups suggest this could be an intense battle with goals at both ends.
Match Preview: A Defining Moment for Both Clubs
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have had quite the rollercoaster seasons. Both clubs hit their peak during December and January—Newcastle notching an impressive 6W-2L record from December 7 to January 18, while Nottingham Forest went on an even stronger run, collecting seven wins and one draw without a single loss.
However, their form has dipped slightly in recent weeks, with both sides securing only three points from a possible nine. Adding to the drama, Bournemouth stunned both teams with dominant performances, scoring a total of nine goals across two matches against them. These setbacks have kept the top-four (or top-five) race extremely tight, with just four points separating 5th-placed Bournemouth from 9th-placed Aston Villa.
As things stand, Nottingham Forest (47 points) sit third in the standings, four points ahead of Bournemouth, while Newcastle (41 points) find themselves in 7th place, trailing by six points. Every match from here on out is critical, and neither team can afford to slip up.
A Season of Historic Significance for Both Clubs
This campaign could be a season to remember for both clubs for different reasons:
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Newcastle United: They have already reached the League Cup final and are chasing their first major trophy in 70 years (since winning the FA Cup in 1955). A strong finish in the league could also ensure their return to the Champions League.
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Nottingham Forest: They are on the brink of securing European qualification for the first time since 1994-95, and if they make it to the Champions League, it will be their first appearance in Europe’s top-tier competition since 1979-80.
These two clubs, both rich in history but having faced struggles in recent decades, now have everything to play for as they look to reclaim their former glory.
Team News and Injury Updates
Newcastle United:
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Out: Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Joelinton (knee)
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Questionable: Sven Botman (knee)
Nottingham Forest:
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Out: Carlos Miguel (thigh), Taiwo Awoniyi (head)
Newcastle will have to manage without their captain Lascelles, while Forest will be missing key attacking threat Awoniyi. Squad depth and tactical adjustments will be crucial in deciding the outcome.
Match Prediction: A Nail-Biting Encounter Awaits
Both teams thrive on counter-attacking football, and with two of the league’s top goal-scorers—Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest (18 goals, 3rd-most in the league) and Alexander Isak for Newcastle (17 goals, 4th-most)—this promises to be a thrilling contest.
Prediction: It’s almost too close to call. Newcastle may have the talent edge, but Forest’s discipline and structured play could neutralize that. Expect fireworks and a tight battle, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.
With European ambitions on the line, this is a must-watch Premier League fixture that could define the trajectory of both teams in the final stretch of the season!
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