This predicted Newcastle team v Nottingham Forest – Seven changes | OneFootball

Looking at this Newcastle team v Nottingham Forest.

Eddie Howe and his players looking to follow up their four points from six in the Premier League with progress in the Carabao Cup.

A tough draw, from the possibles in the northern half of the draw, also away as usual!

So what can we expect the Newcastle team v Nottingham Forest to be?

As a starting point, this was the Newcastle team v Bournemouth:

Pope, Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Kelly, Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Eddie Howe gave an injury and availability update on Tuesday morning.

The NUFC Head Coach positively reporting no new injuries after Sunday’s match.

Callum Wilson is getting close to returning from his back injury but not ready in time for Forest, whilst the longer-term injured trio of Botman, Lascelles and Lewis Miley are all still on the recovery trail as well.

Whilst tonight’s game is the second of Fabian Schar’s three match suspension.

In more positive news of course, Sandro Tonali is now available after his ban came finally to an end, with Eddie Howe confirming the Italy midfielder will be in tonight’s squad.

The NUFC boss also stated that he would be using his squad and giving other players their chance

Anyway, my take on all of this after the above, my best guesstimate of the Newcastle team v Nottingham Forest…

Pope, Trippier, Kelly, Burn, Targett, Tonali, Joelinton, Willock, Barnes, Osula, Almiron

So that would make it seven changes from Sunday.

Trippier, Targett, Tonali, Willock, Barnes, Osula and Almiron coming in.

With Livramento, Krafth, Longstaff, Bruno, Jacob Murphy, Isak and Gordon dropping out/to the bench.

All guesswork of course, especially when it comes to this cup match.

The positive thing of course, at least for me, is that these changes I have suggested, point to Eddie Howe having the makings of a far stronger (available!) squad again.

I do think  very good chance that as I have suggested, Eddie Howe could well play Lloyd Kelly as the right-sided central defender alongside Dan Burn. Then if it works ok, we could well see it continue into the selection against Tottenham on Sunday.

I think Krafth has done ok but I see Lloyd Kelly as definitely a better ability player who is better in central defence than left-back. Whilst for those who would doubt the wisdom of playing two same (left) footed players together in the middle of defence, it is worth pointing out that last season for Palace and this summer for England, Marc Guehi regularly played as one of two right-footed central defenders.

I’m also guessing that many fans would prefer to see Alexander Isak continue in the team tonight and every chance Eddie Howe may do so. However, on the other hand, if Osula is going to get a start any time soon, then surely the early rounds of the Carabao Cup will be that time.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Wednesday 28 August 2024 – Forest v Newcastle in Carabao Cup (8pm) Sky Sports

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports

(The first international break of the season)

Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5pm) Sky Sports