The Premier League's early Boxing Day kickoff will take place at St. James' Park, featuring a clash between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at 12:30 pm.
Both teams see Tuesday's match as an opportunity for redemption. Newcastle United, managed by Eddie Howe, seeks to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Luton Town over the weekend. Jamaal Lascelles aims to make a comeback after being forced off in the first half of the Luton defeat, while Joelinton, recovering from a hamstring injury, is likely to rejoin the lineup.
Nottingham Forest faces their own challenges, with Willy Boly suspended due to a red card received against Bournemouth. Additionally, key players such as Serge Aurier, Felipe, Ibrahima Sangare, and Taiwo Awoniyi are sidelined with injuries. Forest's recent form has been difficult, losing six of their last seven league games.
Although Newcastle has struggled away from home, their performance at St. James' Park has been impressive, securing seven consecutive league wins and conceding only once in the process. However, historical Boxing Day statistics reveal that Newcastle holds the unwanted record for the most defeats on this festive date, with 15 losses in the Premier League and 46 losses in English Football League history.
Currently sitting in seventh place, Eddie Howe aims to secure only the second win in seven games for the Magpies. Despite recent setbacks, including a heartbreak against Chelsea in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Newcastle can take solace in their strong home record, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham.
As Eddie Howe and Newcastle United strive to regain their form, they are aware that their formidable home record contrasts with their historical struggles on Boxing Day. The clash against Nottingham Forest provides 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