Newcastle United are suddenly under huge pressure when they face Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.
There was no early Christmas present for Toon fans, as Eddie Howe‘s side lost 1-0 to Luton Town on Saturday.
It was an appalling performance from Newcastle United, who continue to look desperate whenever they play away from St James’ Park.
Luckily, the Boxing Day clash with Nottingham Forest is at home, as the Magpies welcome Nuno Espirito Santo to Tyneside for his second match after replacing Steve Cooper.
It is suddenly an even bigger game for Newcastle after the defeat to Luton, and this is the starting XI we predict Eddie Howe to go with against Nottingham Forest.
Sven Botman’s first Premier League start since September
The last time Sven Botman started a Premier League game was September 24th.
That should change on Boxing Day, especially after Jamaal Lascelles appeared to pick up an injury during the defeat to Luton.
Botman took his place and played for about an hour, which should lead to the 23-year-old starting against Forest.
There will hopefully be one more change in defence, with Tino Livramento coming in at left-back. He was rested on Saturday, but was a big miss.
Joelinton returns against Nottingham Forest
This is more out of hope rather than expectation, but we are crossing our fingers that Joelinton will be back in the side for the game at St James’ Park.
The £40million man picked up an injury during the win over Fulham, and has now missed back-to-back games. But it sounds like he was not far away from being involved against Luton, which offers hope that he will be good to go on Boxing Day.
Alexander Isak up front for Newcastle
Callum Wilson has now played the full 90 minutes in Newcastle’s past four games, and that should come to an end on Tuesday afternoon.
Howe now has two strikers available, which means he can rotate. Alexander Isak is back from his groin problem, and has to start.
The 24-year-old has got nine goals in all competitions this season, and thought he had got his 10th against Luton. Sadly it was chalked off due to offside.
Predicted XI vs Forest: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
