Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest predictions: Premier League tips and odds

Our betting expert has three Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest tips for the Boxing Day Premier League match at St James’ Park (12.30pm kick-off). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.

Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest betting tips

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New-look Forest can unsettle Magpies

A poor run of form ahead of the busy festive period prompted the sacking of Steve Cooper as Nottingham Forest manager on December 19, and former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo taking the reins.

This is the first away game for the East Midlanders under their Portuguese boss and the Tricky Trees will be hoping for more of a new-manager bounce – which was somewhat in evidence in their last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday despite the early sending-off of centre back Willy Boly. 

That spirited display on the South Coast could be just what they need to end a torrid set of results, particularly on the road, as they have taken just five points from a possible 27 away from the City Ground.

By contrast, Newcastle have won eight of their previous 10 games at home in all competitions, with two defeats both in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan respectively.

However, the Magpies’ ever-growing injury list may finally catch up with them over the Christmas period. Indeed, that may have played a part in their shock 1-0 defeat at Luton on Saturday. Nine first-team players remain unavailable for selection, while the banned Sandro Tonali will not play again this season. 

Although Newcastle have not drawn a game at St James’ Park since their final home match of last season, the new feel-good factor at Forest could well be enough for the visitors to avoid defeat, even if they may lack the firepower to record the win

Newcastle vs Forest tip 1: Match result – draw @ 7/2 with Sky Bet

Another tough day for Yates

While Newcastle’s injury woes seem never-ending, it is admirable that these setbacks have not changed boss Eddie Howe’s high-energy, high-intensity style of play.

The Magpies enjoy pressing from the front, particularly at St James’ Park, and wingers Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon continuously drive directly at opposition defences.

It is therefore perhaps expected that the visitors may struggle to contain one of the more eye-catching attacking units in the division and defensive midfielder Ryan Yates may be the favourite to commit multiple fouls on the day, with his 26 offences committed the most of any Forest player in the league.

Newcastle vs Forest tip 2: Ryan Yates to commit 3+ fouls @ 11/8 with Sky Bet

Both sides to have their chances

Newcastle have a tendency to convert opportunities in front of their own fans, with the 1-0 defeat to Dortmund in the Champions League the only time that the Magpies have failed to score at St James’ Park.

Callum Wilson got his first goal since returning from injury in their Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea but has not netted at home since October, so expect the striker to shoot whenever he can to break this drought.

Forest also have quality in attack, with Anthony Elanga and former Magpie Chris Wood scoring a handful of goals in the league already. Attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is their most likely creative outlet, averaging four shot-creating actions per game. If the visitors do get a chance, he is more likely than most to be involved.

With Newcastle almost unstoppable at home and Forest scoring in two of their past three away games, both sides could give their fans something to cheer about.

Newcastle vs Forest tip 3: Bet builder: Callum Wilson 2+ shots on target, Morgan Gibbs-White 1+ shot on target and both teams to score @ 4/1 with Sky Bet

Newcastle vs Forest odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.