Eddie Howe makes three changes as wonderkid starts… Predicted Newcastle United XI to face Nottingham Forest

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Eddie Howe could make changes to his Newcastle United starting XI against Nottingham Forest.

The Magpies are preparing for a pivotal game in the quest to qualify for the Champions League, at a time when their Premier League form is stuttering.

Newcastle United have lost three of their last four league games, including Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City. Alan Shearer said Newcastle’s performance was ‘unacceptable’, and there needs to be a response against Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Eddie Howe has the opportunity to change his side, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Nottingham Forest.

Eddie Howe makes Newcastle United goalkeeper decision

The biggest decision that Eddie Howe must make is who starts in goal against Nottingham Forest between Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope.

The former has the gloves right now, but there is a feeling that could change. Ben Foster thinks Dubravka could be dropped soon, as Howe will be keen to play his strongest XI in the Carabao Cup final in March. In his mind, that XI includes Pope rather than Dubravka.

After conceding four goals last weekend, this feels like an ideal opportunity to recall Pope.

Lewis Miley starts against Nottingham Forest

There are also question marks surrounding the Newcastle United midfield right now. Joelinton is injured, which means that a place in the side is up for grabs.

Joe Willock was given the opportunity to seize it, but he may have squandered it. The 25-year-old was subbed off at half-time against Manchester City, with Lewis Miley coming on in his place.

Miley was praised by Howe for his performance, and the 18-year-old wonderkid will hope that his cameo is followed by a first Premier League start of the season.

It is a difficult call for Howe, as Willock is a player who needs to find his rhythm. However, what Newcastle United need is points, and Howe may feel that starting Miley gives his side the best chance of getting a result against Forest.

• READ MORE: Who is Lewis Miley? Age, Height, Position, Salary, School, Brothers

Depth in attack for Newcastle United

One hidden positive from Newcastle’s defeat to Man City was the return of Harvey Barnes.

The winger was surprisingly back on the back, but did not feature at the Etihad Stadium. However, Howe thinks Barnes could be involved against Forest this weekend, and he has been seen in training ahead of the game.

That is a major boost, as it means that Newcastle suddenly have attacking alternatives on the bench in Barnes and Callum Wilson. With the Magpies set to play Liverpool on Wednesday night, it is vital that Howe can rotate his side.

But the usual suspects will start up front on Sunday, with Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon leading the line.

Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Bruno; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.