Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 10.05.2026
One of the key fixtures of the 36th round of the English Premier League will take place this Sunday in Nottingham, where the local side Nottingham Forest host Newcastle at the City Ground. For the 'Tricky Trees', this is a battle for peace of mind in their fight for survival, while the 'Magpies', buoyed by a long-awaited victory, have a renewed chance to push for a finish in the top half of the table. That’s why I’m offering a prediction for a high-scoring encounter with plenty of potential for success.
Match preview
Nottingham Forest come into this clash on the back of an emotionally draining week: Vítor Pereira’s side crashed out of the Europa League after a heavy 0-4 defeat to Aston Villa. That setback snapped a ten-match unbeaten run and served as a harsh reality check - the team now faces three crucial games to secure their Premier League status for next season.
The squad situation for the hosts is far from ideal: Ola Aina and Zach Abbott are unavailable, while Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Dan Ndoye were all forced to stay on the bench in Birmingham. Pereira will have to find the right balance between giving his key men time to recover and not leaving the right flank of defense exposed, where Forest have almost no specialist options left.
Newcastle finally put an end to a five-match losing streak by beating Brighton 3-1. The win wasn’t flawless in terms of performance, but for Eddie Howe’s team, the most important thing was regaining confidence. The Magpies can still move closer to the European spots, even though their season has been wildly inconsistent.
The visitors also have their share of absentees - Fabian Schär, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Miley are all out, meaning Kieran Trippier will likely be called on to fill the right-back role again. On the bright side, the partnership of Thiaw and Botman can shore up the center of defense, and the in-form William Osula brings Newcastle a direct attacking threat, which is especially valuable against a tired and nervous opponent.
Probable lineups
- Nottingham Forest: Sels, Netz, Morato, Milenković, Paula, Domínguez, Yates, McAtee, Jesus, Bakwa, Awoniyi.
- Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimarães, Willock, Murphy, Osula, Joelinton.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Newcastle have won the last five meetings with Nottingham Forest in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in six of the last seven head-to-head encounters.
- Nottingham Forest have never beaten Newcastle at the City Ground in the Premier League era.
- The away game against Aston Villa was the third time in Forest’s last five matches that one of the teams won by three goals or more.
- Nearly a third (28%) of Forest’s conceded goals have come from set pieces.
- In their last ten away matches across all competitions, the Magpies failed to score only against Arsenal.
- Newcastle have received at least two yellow cards in each of their last seven Premier League away games.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest will be battling not just Newcastle, but also the lingering tension from their painful European exit. The hosts desperately need points, but injury woes, tired leaders, and a poor home record against the Magpies make their situation extremely fragile. Newcastle are hardly the model of consistency themselves, but their latest win over Brighton should give them a boost going forward. Eddie Howe’s defense still offers opponents plenty of chances, and Forest at home will be fighting for at least a draw. The most likely scenario? Goals at both ends and a tight, hard-fought finish.
