Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest is a ‘simple’ game to predict for Chris Sutton.
Eddie Howe desperately needs a response from his players after Newcastle’s ‘unacceptable’ performance against Manchester City.
This is a huge game for Newcastle United. Firstly, it is against a Champions League rival. Secondly, the Magpies need to build up some momentum ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
But that will be easier said than done, as Nottingham Forest are the surprise package of the Premier League this season. Elliot Anderson is shining at Forest, while Chris Wood actually has more league goals than Alexander Isak.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
However, that could change on Sunday according to Chris Sutton.
As part of his predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton has backed Newcastle United to pick up all three points, while he is anticipating Alexander Isak to get back amongst the goals.
“As the BBC’s predictions expert I always try to go with my head and not my heart,” he said.
“That’s what I am doing with this game, which is big for both teams in the battle for the top four.
“I’d love to say my boyhood club, Nottingham Forest, will respond to their defeat at Fulham, but this game is actually quite simple for me to predict because I am expecting Newcastle to bounce back from their woeful performance and result against Manchester City last weekend.
“I just think there will be a big reaction from Alexander Isak, who was kept really quiet by City, and a real response from their whole team.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle United 2 Nottingham Forest 0
How Alexander Isak is doing in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24
Isak has gone four games without a goal. You could even say he is enduring a goal drought.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 19 times, with 17 of his strikes coming in the Premier League.
Sutton has hinted that Isak could hit the 20 milestone this weekend, as the Sweden international aims to score 20+ goals for the second season in a row. After all, Isak needs consistency to be considered world class.
This time last year during the 2023/24 campaign, Isak had 13 goals. In that respect, he is doing even better in a Toon shirt this year.
The forward ended the 2023/24 season with 25 goals in all competitions, which sums up how well he played in the second half of the campaign. If Isak can do the same this time, he will surely surpass last season’s tally.
But his short-term aim will be ending this ‘drought’, ideally as early as Sunday when Newcastle United face Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
