Paul Merson’s ‘nightmare’ prediction for Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest

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Paul Merson believes Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest is a ‘nightmare game’.

However, it is not Eddie Howe’s nightmare, as he aims to build on Wednesday night’s Champions League win.

Newcastle beat USG 4-0 in Brussels, putting together the kind of complete performance that had been absent this season up until that point.

Now the Magpies have confidence, as they prepare to take on a desperate Nottingham Forest side that appears to be in real trouble under Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou is expecting a ‘difficult’ game against Howe’s side, having failed to win any of his first six games as Forest manager.

According to Paul Merson, that run will extend to seven on Sunday.

Paul Merson backs Newcastle United to beat Nottingham Forest

Newcastle United face Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park, aiming to pick up their second Premier League win of the season.

Merson believes they will get it, with the former Arsenal attacker telling Sportskeeda that Forest are ‘in trouble’.

“What is happening to Nottingham Forest?,” asks Merson.

“They are in trouble and their upcoming fixtures look very bad. Ange Postecoglou will do well if he can outlast this run! Some sections of the fans have already voiced their concerns about Postecoglou and it’s quite understandable. Forest went from being a solid team under Nuno Espirito Santo to conceding way too many goals after Postecoglou took over.

“Newcastle got blown away by Arsenal last weekend. I was honestly surprised by the gulf in class between the two teams in that game. Even then, Newcastle were in the lead for about 84 minutes and that tells you this is actually a nightmare game for Nottingham Forest.”

Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Nottingham Forest 1.

Newcastle United’s record against Nottingham Forest

Given the quality that Newcastle possess and the form that Forest are in, it is no surprise that Eddie Howe’s side are favourites.

On top of that, the recent history of this fixture is in the Magpies’ favour.

Ever since Forest returned to the Premier League in 2022, Newcastle United have had the beating of the Tricky Trees.

They have met seven times in all competitions, with the Magpies winning six of those games. One of those victories came via a penalty shootout as part of Newcastle’s journey to Carabao Cup glory last season.

Forest’s only win over Newcastle since their return to the top flight actually came at St James’ Park, with a Chris Wood hat-trick inspiring them to victory on Boxing Day 2023.

He will be one of three Forest players returning to Tyneside on Sunday, alongside Elliot Anderson and Matz Sels.

In terms of players going in the opposite direction, Anthony Elanga makes his first appearance against Nottingham Forest after leaving them to join Newcastle for £55million this summer.