St. James' Park is set to host the early Boxing Day kickoff in the Premier League, featuring a clash between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at 12:30 pm.
Tuesday's match is an opportunity for redemption for both teams, with Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe, looking to recover from their 1-0 loss to Luton Town over the weekend.
Notably, Jamaal Lascelles aims to make a comeback after being forced off in the first half of the Luton defeat, and Joelinton, absent due to a hamstring injury, is likely to rejoin the lineup.
On the Nottingham Forest side, Willy Boly is suspended following his red card against Bournemouth, and several key players, including Serge Aurier, Felipe, Ibrahima Sangare, and Taiwo Awoniyi, are sidelined due to injuries. Forest's recent form has been challenging, having lost six of their last seven league games.
While Newcastle has struggled away from home, they boast an impressive home record with seven consecutive league wins at St. James' Park, conceding only once in the process.
However, historical Boxing Day statistics reveal that Newcastle holds the record for the most defeats on this festive date, having lost 15 times in the Premier League and 46 times in English Football League history.
As Eddie Howe strives to secure only the second win in seven games for the Magpies, their recent defeats, including a heartbreak against Chelsea in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, have dropped them to seventh place in the rankings.
Despite a potential challenge from Liverpool on January 1, Newcastle can find comfort in their recent home success, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham.
In summary, as others enjoy leftover turkey on Boxing Day, Eddie Howe and Newcastle United aim to salvage their form, aware that their formidable home record contrasts with their historical struggles on this festive occasion.
The clash against Nottingham Forest is a crucial opportunity for both teams to shape their trajectories as the calendar year comes to a close.
Possible Prediction line-ups
Newcastle: Dubravka. Trippier, Schar; Botman; Livramento. Longstaff; Guimaraes. Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Nottm Forest: Turner. Williams; Niakhate; Murillo, Toffolo. Mangala, Yates; Origi, Gibbs-White; Elanga; Wood
Event details
NAME: Newcastle United - Nottingham Forest
DATE: 26 Dec 2023
TIME: 12:30 UTC
VENUE: St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England