Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

Newcastle United will host Nottingham Forest at St. James' Park on February 23, 2025, in a high-stakes Premier League matchup as Round 26 brings together two sides battling for top-tier finishes. Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe, have shown resilience despite recent setbacks, sitting mid-table and aiming to leverage their strong home record to push for European qualification. Nottingham Forest, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, have been the season’s surprise package, sitting third and looking to maintain their remarkable form against a tough opponent. Our expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest in this Premier League clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Newcastle United

• 2024/25 Record (as of Feb 23): 12W, 5D, 7L (41 points, 7th in Premier League)

• Latest Result: 0-4 loss vs. Manchester City (Feb 15, 2025)

• Home Form: 6W, 2D, 4L (22 goals scored, 14 conceded)
  Newcastle United have experienced an up-and-down campaign, holding seventh place with 41 points from 24 matches as of February 23, 2025. Their recent 4-0 defeat to Manchester City marked their third loss in four league games, exposing defensive vulnerabilities, though victories against Southampton (3-1) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-0) earlier showcased their attacking potential. At home, they’ve averaged 1.83 goals per game and conceded 1.17, reflecting a solid but inconsistent record at St. James' Park.

Nottingham Forest

• 2024/25 Record (as of Feb 23): 14W, 5D, 6L (47 points, 3rd in Premier League)

• Latest Result: 1-2 loss vs. Fulham (Feb 15, 2025)

• Away Form: 7W, 2D, 4L (23 goals scored, 13 conceded)
  Nottingham Forest have been the standout surprise of the 2024/25 season, sitting third with 47 points from 25 matches. Their recent 2-1 loss to Fulham ended a three-game winning streak, though a 7-0 thrashing of Brighton earlier highlighted their offensive firepower. On the road, they’ve averaged 1.77 goals per game and conceded 1.00, with Chris Wood’s form (18 league goals) driving their success against top opposition.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Newcastle United 11W, Nottingham Forest 4W, 6D (21 meetings since 2000)

• Recent Meetings:

  • Nov 10, 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Newcastle United (Premier League)

  • Feb 10, 2024: Nottingham Forest 2-3 Newcastle United (Premier League)

  • Aug 29, 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle United (EFL Cup, Newcastle won on penalties)

• Key Trend: Newcastle have won 4 of the last 5 meetings; 4 of their last 5 H2Hs saw both teams score.
  Newcastle United have held the upper hand in recent encounters, including a 3-1 victory at Nottingham Forest earlier this season. High-scoring games have been common, averaging 3.0 goals per game in their last five meetings, with both teams showing attacking intent, though Nottingham’s last win at St. James' Park came in December 2023 (3-1).

Key Players to Watch

Newcastle United

• Alexander Isak (FWD): 14 goals in 2024/25; Newcastle’s top scorer and key dangerman.

• Bruno Guimarães (MID): 5 goals, 6 assists; midfield engine driving transitions.

• Nick Pope (GK): 8 clean sheets; vital in goal despite recent struggles.

Nottingham Forest

• Chris Wood (FWD): 18 goals in 2024/25; Forest’s prolific striker and former Newcastle player.

• Morgan Gibbs-White (MID): 6 goals, 7 assists; creative force in midfield.

• Matz Sels (GK): 7 clean sheets; anchors a solid defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Newcastle United’s high-pressing, 4-3-3 formation (1.75 goals per game) will test Nottingham Forest’s disciplined 3-4-2-1 setup (1.64 goals per game). Isak’s pace and Guimarães’ dynamism could exploit Forest’s defense (0.92 goals conceded per game), which has faltered in recent away games. Forest’s counterattacking style relies on Wood’s aerial prowess and Gibbs-White’s creativity, challenging Newcastle’s backline (1.33 goals conceded per game), which has conceded 11 in their last 4 matches. Newcastle’s Sven Botman (doubtful, knee) and Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi (doubtful, concussion) may affect lineups, with Newcastle’s 52,305-strong St. James' Park crowd adding intensity.

Prediction: Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest

Our Prediction: Asian Handicap - Newcastle United to Win +0

TIP 2: Goalscorer - Callum Wilson