3 changes and Tonali rumours – Predicted Newcastle team vs Nottingham Forest..
After three defeats in our last four league games, today feels like a huge game for Newcastle United’s push for Champions League football.
Win and we’ll move three behind Nottingham Forest, also leapfrogging Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Chelsea, but a defeat would see Nuno Espirito Santo’s side move nine clear of us.
We didn’t turn up at Man City in last weekend’s 4-0 defeat and have lost our last two league games at St James’ Park, upping the importance of a response in today’s 2pm kick-off.
Predicted line-up
(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Miley – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
We think there’ll be three changes from our 4-0 defeat at Man City – possibly four if the rumours are true that Sandro Tonali has picked up a slight muscle injury.
Starting in goal, I think Nick Pope could be recalled to the starting line-up, which would mean Martin Dubravka drops back to the bench just a few days after he signed a new deal.
At right-back, Kieran Trippier was superb in our last home game – a semi-final victory over Arsenal in the cup – but he had a nightmare at City and Tino Livramento’s pace could be key against a Forest side with speed in wide areas who counter quickly.
In midfield, Joelinton (knee) is still out and Lewis Miley showed confidence and calmness on the ball in his second half cameo at City. I think he’ll start, with Joe Willock’s place in the side dependant on Tonali’s availability.
The front three picks itself, with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy in line to start either side of Alexander Isak.
How do you see us lining up? Comment below with your predicted XI…
