Newcastle v Nottingham Forest

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Preview

Newcastle United were handed a third defeat in four games in the Premier League on Saturday when The Magpies suffered an unexpected 1-0 defeat away from home at strugglers, Luton Town, while Nottingham Forest also lost in a 3-2 defeat at home to Bournemouth in controversial circumstances.

Previous losses to Everton 3-0 and a comprehensive 4-1 defeat away at Tottenham means Eddie Howe's side remain in seventh place in the Premier League standings but the north-east club now trail fifth placed Manchester City by a five-point margin so this upcoming clash at home against Nottingham Forest represents a must-win scenario for Newcastle United.

It's worth mentioning that all three of Newcastle's recent defeats though were dealt out to The Magpies away from home but they now return to St James' Park for this Boxing Day clash where Newcastle United have won their last seven home games on the trot.

In addition, Newcastle have kept clean sheets in six of these seven wins, while the bigger picture shows Eddie Howe's side have been handed just three defeats from their previous 29 home games overall.

A change of manager did not change things on the pitch for Nottingham Forest as the incoming manager, Nuno Espirito Santo was unable to chalk up a win for his new team in his first game in charge against Bournemouth as the Tricky Trees lost 3-2 to the south coast club in what was a lively encounter.

Wily Boly was given a highly contentious red card after seemingly winning the ball fairly and although Forest gave as good as they got with 10 men, The Cherries grabbed the three points thanks to a Dominic Solanke hat-trick.

That defeat extended Nottingham Forest's winless run in the Premier League to a dismal seven matches and having suffered six defeats within this seven-game period, the east midlands club face a tough trip to face Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

The visitors have now managed to capture just the single victory from their previous 14 league matches as the rot appears to have well and truly set in and now Forest find themselves in an unwanted relegation battle with the likes of Luton Town just two points behind them now.

Results away from home also continue to be poor as Nottingham Forest have won just once in their last 19 outings on the road and another defeat looks set to eventuate at St James' Park on Boxing Day.

Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest Verdict

Having managed just two clean sheets in their last 19 away games, Nottingham Forest look to have their work cut out if they're to get anything from an in-form Newcastle United outfit in their own backyard.

Therefore, our main bet will be Newcastle Utd win @ 1.50 Other side bets worth considering:

Newcastle Utd win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.30

Correct Score: Newcastle Utd 3-0 @ 12.00