Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest is under pressure from Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St. James's Park in Newcastle, on December 26, 2023. (Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United will have kept a close eye on Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup win against Bristol City last night as they prepare for this weekend.
Forest embarrassed Newcastle in the reverse fixture at St James’ Park when Chris Wood bagged a hat-trick against his former club, though an injury to the striker will prevent history from repeating itself.
The hosts will be buoyed by the fact that they have secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup and have already gotten the better of their opponents this weekend, so Newcastle have to be wary of their confidence going into this game.
Newcastle cannot afford another defeat to Forest
Eddie Howe is already under increasing pressure having endured a difficult run of form in December and January and failing to capitalise on a big win against Aston Villa with a 4-4 draw against Luton last weekend.
There’s still hope that Champions League qualification is still within their reach, though another loss on Saturday would really put that in doubt as they are already 13 points off of top four.
Any form of European finish would be considered a good season for Newcastle, but after last seasons heroics it would feel a little bit underwhelming from the outside looking in if they were to end up seventh.
A win, however, would fill the fanbase with confidence and potentially give them the boost they need to go on a strong run in the second half of the season and return to their very best form.
