Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United predictions as 'battle of strikers' verdict given

Confidence will be high in both camps at the City Ground when Newcastle United take on a Nottingham Forest side who are defying all the odds this season.

While Eddie Howe's Magpies come into the game on the back of a huge 1-0 win over title challengers Arsenal, Forest have only lost once in the Premier League all season, and have a win at Anfield under their belts.

However, United have tasted victory on the banks of the Trent already this season, albeit via penalties in the Carabao Cup. Howe has the same squad available to him as the one which defeated the Gunners last weekend, and will again weigh up whether to start Sandro Tonali or stick with the same midfield.

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As always, the Premier League pundits have made their predictions for the big games, including Newcastle goal-scoring legend Alan Shearer - here's how they're calling this one.

Alan Shearer

"A trip to the City Ground is a tough game for Newcastle at this moment in time," Shearer told Betfair. "Chris Wood is in the form of his life, scoring again last week and Forest’s two centre-backs are also both impressive; Murillo and Milenkovic have formed a real partnership there and they had a really good win against West Ham.

"Newcastle were brilliant against Arsenal and back to their normal selves once again and if they were back at home, I’d be tempted to say Newcastle will win, but I’ll go for a draw at the City Ground."

Prediction: Draw

Chris Sutton

"In many respects this is a battle of two strikers," Sutton told the BBC. "I loved Alexander Isak's header for Newcastle against Arsenal last week. It was a classic centre-forward’s finish.

"But this is the Chris Wood derby - aka the 'Wood Chopper' derby - and I am backing him to give Nottingham Forest the cutting edge they need against his former club.

"Forest are a team with good balance in that they set out not to concede but they also have players who can threaten on the counter. Their confidence must be sky-high and I see their good run continuing."

Prediction: Forest 2-1 Newcastle

Paul Merson

“Nottingham Forest are flying aren’t they?" Merson told Sportskeeda. "This is a really hard game for Newcastle in my opinion. I say this every week, Forest are a much better team away from home. But they got an incredible win at home against West Ham last weekend and I have a feeling they will back it up!

“If Forest do that they will be virtually safe from relegation in my opinion. Can you believe it? It’s only been 11 games and we’re talking about them retaining their status in the top-flight. 22 points from the first 11 games is really, really good if you’re Forest.

“I like when teams aim for the stars and I’m going to say they should look at European qualification as a realistic target if they can beat Newcastle. If they can remain positive and believe in their abilities, I’m sure Forest will stand a chance in making it to the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.

“A defeat would be a big disappointment for Newcastle, especially after that win over Arsenal. But I just haven’t seen enough from them to think they will outplay Forest away from home on current form.”

Prediction: Forest 2-1 Newcastle

Harry Redknapp

"Can anyone stop Nottingham Forest?" Redknapp said in his BetVictor predictions. "This side just have so much confidence right now and I think they can aim big; I don’t see why they can’t target a European spot.

"Newcastle needed that win last week, as did Eddie Howe. From fourth downwards it’s all very tight so Newcastle are by no means out of the race for the top four, I can see them going on a decent run. Chris Wood back against the side that sold him, will he score? I’m picking a draw."

Prediction: Forest 1-1 Newcastle