Chris Sutton has been predicting who will win today’s match between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. St James’ Park will play host to the fixture, with the Reds in desperate need of a victory.
Forest were managed by Nuno Espirito Santo for the first time during Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth. A Willy Boly red card in the first half made life rather difficult and ultimately, Forest lost 3-2.
Goals from Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood did provide Forest with a couple of positives. There was also lots of fight on offer from Espirito Santo’s team and he will be satisfied with that aspect of the performance.
Sutton predicts Newcastle v Forest
Forest face a thankless task today in the North East. Although Newcastle have dropped some points on the road of late, they’re still pretty strong on home soil.
Sutton doesn’t believe that Forest’s fortunes will be changing this afternoon against Newcastle.
He told BBC Sport: “Eddie Howe needs a win here because Newcastle’s run of results is becoming a worry.
“It’s not quite the case where they need to stop the rot, but fighting on a few fronts has clearly taken its toll.
“Their home form in the Premier League is still strong, however, and I am sure being back at St James’ Park will help them out again.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how quickly new boss Nuno Espirito Santo can make his mark at Forest because they could soon find themselves in the thick of the relegation scrap.”
Forest must show fight again at Newcastle
Newcastle have captured the hearts of their supporters over the past 12 months and last season Howe defied the odds by leading them to the Champions League.
Their participation in that competition has now ended and on Saturday, they were beaten by Luton on their travels.
Sutton has predicted a 2-0 reversal for Forest this afternoon. It’s hard to imagine Forest going there and winning but a strong performance is a must.
Espirito Santo is having to get his feet under the table very quickly. Forest are in abysmal form and they could drop into the relegation zone as soon as today.
The Portuguese boss desperately needs something to change soon. Hopefully, Forest can get the rub of the green this afternoon at St James’ Park.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
