Which crisis club will score big points?
Last season, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest were still among the absolute top teams in the English top flight. In the current season, which is still in its early stages, the two clubs, which played European cup games with varying results during the week, are lagging behind their own expectations. After six matchdays, the Magpies have only six points to their name; the visitors from Nottingham have even one point less. As a result, both teams are under pressure, which may influence Sunday’s Newcastle vs. Nottingham tip.
The visitors in particular are in dire straits. In addition to their disastrous start to the Premier League season, they have only managed to pick up a disappointing single point from their first two Europa League games. The sad low point was Thursday evening’s 2-3 home defeat to Danish side Midtjylland, which impressively demonstrated that the “Tricky Trees” are currently unable to get a foothold. Including their embarrassing elimination from the EFL Cup against second-division Swansea City, NFFC now has eight (!) consecutive competitive games without a win.
No wonder, then, that Ange Postecoglou, whose appointment was initially hailed as a coup, is now coming under heavy criticism. During the week, fans were already calling for his dismissal. If the prediction of another defeat for the “Garibaldi Reds” between Newcastle and Nottingham comes true this weekend, the former Tottenham coach’s days could already be numbered…
In fact, I also believe that the odds for a home win between Newcastle and Nottingham will prove accurate. Coach Eddie Howe’s team was able to shake off its frustration on the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Woltemade and Co. won the difficult away game against Belgian champions Royale Union SG 4-0. The German international has now scored in three of his six competitive games for the Black and Whites.
Incidentally, the Magpies’ form has also been on a slight upward trend in the league recently. Before the unfortunate defeat at home to Newcastle, Howe’s team remained unbeaten in three consecutive games and also kept a clean sheet. Four clean sheets in the first six matchdays are further evidence that NUFC still holds all the trump cards in this clash between two clubs in crisis.
Newcastle – Nottingham Head-to-head record
As if the previous three sections did not already provide enough arguments to suggest betting on a home win in the Newcastle vs. Nottingham match, the head-to-head comparison also speaks quite clearly in favor of the Magpies.
For example, Forest have lost eight of their last nine away league games at St. James Park. In general, six of the last seven PL matches have gone to the black and whites. Fun fact: Against opponents whose club name also begins with “N,” NUFC has a 56% win rate, one of the best in the English top flight!
Newcastle – Nottingham Tip
Ange Postecoglou is known for his clear style. Ange’s brand of football led Tottenham to Europa League glory last season, but also to the bottom of the Premier League. Postecoglou was shown the door in London and subsequently signed on in Nottingham. However, the experienced coach is now also on the verge of being sacked there. After eight consecutive games without a win, two embarrassing defeats in the Europa League against Midtjylland and in the EFL Cup against Swansea City, and considering the sobering haul of five points from six Premier League games, the air has become very thin. Another defeat at St. James Park could lead to his dismissal.
Although Newcastle have also fallen short of expectations so far, Howe’s team picked up three important points in the Champions League and a lot of confidence with a 4-0 win at Royale Union SG during the week. In the league, the Magpies have only one point more, but their performances have been stronger. Added to this is the home advantage and the H2H, which also tips the scales in favor of the home side. Without further ado, I recommend betting on a home win for Newcastle United against Nottingham Forest.
