Eddie Howe has a big decision to make with Nick Woltemade for Newcastle United’s game against Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies are back in Premier League action after their Champions League heroics, with Eddie Howe debating whether to stick with a winning team or rotate his side.
It is a difficult decision for the Newcastle United manager, who is desperate to pick up three points heading into the international break.
Newcastle face a Nottingham Forest side that are struggling, with Ange Postecoglou already under pressure at the City Ground.
That pressure will only intensify if they lose on Sunday, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.
No changes in defence for Newcastle United
Newcastle United kept a clean sheet against USG on Wednesday night, with Howe’s back four keeping the Belgians at bay.
That back four is expected to start again on Sunday, with the Magpies backed to name an unchanged defence against Nottingham Forest.
That is good news for Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman, who are forming a brilliant partnership in black and white. In turn, Fabian Schar will be forced to remain on the bench.
The same goes for Lewis Hall, whose minutes are being managed as he continues his recovery from foot surgery earlier in the year. Therefore, Dan Burn should start at left-back.
Tino Livramento is injured, with the defender ruled out for eight weeks with a knee injury. Kieran Trippier will continue at right-back in his absence.
- Who is Tino Livramento? All you need to know about Newcastle United’s flying full-back
Jacob Ramsey back on the bench against Nottingham Forest
Newcastle have received an injury boost ahead of Sunday’s game, with Jacob Ramsey fit to return. He has not been seen since the 0-0 draw with Leeds.
He suffered an ankle injury that evening, but will hopefully be on the bench against Nottingham Forest.
That is great news for Howe, who is yet to see the best of Ramsey in a Newcastle United shirt.
Newcastle’s favoured midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton should start again, with Lewis Miley and Joe Willock also in reserve.
- Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro
Eddie Howe starts Nick Woltemade
With Yoane Wissa set to be injured for longer than anticipated, there is a renewed need for Eddie Howe to ensure that Nick Woltemade is fit and available.
The 23-year-old has started the Magpies’ previous two games, scoring in both. Three games in a week could be too much, but Howe has hinted that Woltemade could retain his place in the starting XI against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
He features in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted XI, with Howe tipped to start the same front three that caused USG so many problems.
That means Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon will flank Woltemade, with the former taking on the club he left for £55million during the summer transfer window.
Predicted XI to face Forest: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
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