Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 5 October 2025

As Newcastle United prepare to host Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park on 5 October 2025, fans are set for an intense Premier League showdown. Despite a mixed start to the season, Newcastle, currently 15th, remains the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.58 for a win.

The Magpies, managed by Eddie Howe, will look to build on their recent 4-0 win over Union St. Gilloise in the Champions League. Key players include top scorer Nick Woltemade, who has netted twice this season, and goalkeeper Nick Pope, instrumental in their two clean sheets in the last five games.

Nottingham Forest, sitting 17th, have had a tough run under new coach Ange Postecoglou, recording four losses and two draws in his first six games. Their top scorer Chris Wood will be pivotal as they aim to exploit Newcastle’s defensive lapses, which often occur in the final stages. Given Forest’s recent defensive struggles, expect Newcastle to clinch this with a narrow one-goal margin.

Recommended bet: Newcastle to win by 1 goal.

Strap in for an engaging battle which, while not the most high-profile, has the stakes and subplots to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Betting Tip

Recommended betting tip: Newcastle to win by a one-goal margin. With bookmakers favouring Newcastle at odds of 1.58, this tight win prediction is based on their recent home form and Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities.

• Newcastle has displayed strength at home, notably in their 4-0 Champions League victory against Union St. Gilloise.
• Nottingham Forest, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, is struggling with a six-match winless streak, making them susceptible to narrow defeats, particularly away.
• Previous encounters have seen Newcastle edge out Forest in tight matches, with their most recent home game ending 4-3 in favour of Newcastle.

Expect a closely contested battle with Newcastle likely to secure a narrow victory to continue their ascent in the Premier League standings.

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Odds

This clash at St James’ Park sees Newcastle United going in as the bookmakers’ favourite. Let’s break down the odds:

These odds reflect Newcastle’s home advantage and recent form, especially after their smashing 4-0 win against Union St. Gilloise in the Champions League. Forest’s struggles under new manager Ange Postecoglou are evident, with a winless streak that includes four losses and two draws.

Given the tight margins typically seen in Newcastle’s matches this season, a narrow victory for the home side is anticipated. Expect Newcastle to leverage their home support and defensive solidity, while Forest, still adapting to new tactics, might find it hard to break their duck.

Keep an eye out for Newcastle’s propensity to concede late goals, but the odds suggest a home win is likely.

Newcastle Team Analysis

Newcastle Recent Performance

Newcastle’s recent form has been a mixed bag, but there’s been plenty for their fans to cheer about. Over the last five games:

• They triumphed 4-0 against Union St. Gilloise in the Champions League.
• They suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.
• They saw off Bradford 4-1 in the EFL Cup.
• They battled to a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
• They fell 2-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League.

This sequence (LDWLW) highlights their defensive capabilities, with 2 clean sheets, and an offensive average of 2 goals per game in their last 5 outings. Eddie Howe’s side has been bolstered by Nick Woltemade, their top scorer with 2 goals so far, and solid performances from Nick Pope between the sticks. Newcastle’s resilience will be critical as they look to climb the Premier League table, currently sitting in 15th place. Their goal will be to capitalize on home advantage at St James’ Park against a struggling Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle Key Players

Newcastle United’s key players are set to make a significant impact against Nottingham Forest. Leading the line will be Nick Woltemade, who tops Newcastle’s scoring charts with 2 goals this season. He’s expected to lead the attack and will be integral to breaking down Forest’s shaky defence. Alongside him, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy will bring pace and creativity from the wings.

In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes will be crucial in dictating play, with support from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. Their battle against Nottingham Forest’s defensive midfield duo could prove decisive.

Defensively, Newcastle relies on the experience of Kieran Trippier and the solidity of Dan Burn and Fabian Schär. Nick Pope, with two clean sheets in the last five games, remains a reliable figure in goal.

Expected lineup for Newcastle:

• Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
• Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
• Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon

Expect these key players to play pivotal roles in what promises to be a crucial Premier League clash.

Newcastle Suspensions & Injuries

Newcastle United will be missing several key players due to injuries heading into their clash against Nottingham Forest. Jacob Ramsey is sidelined with an ankle injury and is expected to return by mid-October 2025. Yoane Wissa is also out with a knee injury, with a similar mid-October return date. Additionally, Valentino Livramento continues his recovery from a knee injury, with an anticipated return not until early December 2025.

These absences will test Eddie Howe’s squad depth, particularly in the midfield and defensive positions. The injuries could lead to a reshuffle in the lineup, potentially affecting Newcastle’s attacking dynamics and defensive solidity.

While the core of their starting XI remains intact, the lack of key options on the bench might influence Howe’s ability to make impactful tactical changes during the match. This could be crucial in a tightly contested game against Forest.

Newcastle Tactics and Formation

Newcastle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Nick Woltemade
• Midfield Trio: Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong second-half performances, particularly capitalizing on opponents’ late-game vulnerabilities

Newcastle’s tactical setup is likely to focus on a high-press 4-3-3 formation. The attacking trio of Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, and Anthony Gordon will aim to stretch Nottingham Forest’s defence with their pace and creativity.

In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes will orchestrate play, supported by the robust Sandro Tonali and the versatile Joelinton. This trio will look to dominate possession and transition swiftly from defence to attack.

Defensively, Newcastle relies on the experience of Kieran Trippier on the right flank, with Fabian Schär and Dan Burn providing a solid core in the centre. Lewis Hall adds youthful energy at left-back. Nick Pope’s presence in goal is a key element, especially given his record of clean sheets.

Expect Newcastle to press aggressively and exploit Forest’s defensive frailties, particularly in the final 15 minutes, where Forest has been most vulnerable. This tactical approach aims to secure a crucial home victory.

Nottingham Forest Team Analysis

Nottingham Forest Recent Performance

Nottingham Forest’s recent form has been a rollercoaster of disappointments, recording two draws and three losses in their last five outings:

• A 2-3 defeat to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.
• A narrow 0-1 loss to Sunderland in the Premier League.
• A 2-2 draw against Real Betis in the Europa League.
• A 1-1 stalemate with Burnley in the Premier League.
• An unfortunate 2-3 exit against Swansea in the EFL Cup.

This string of results (LDDLL) highlights their defensive struggles and inability to maintain leads. Despite averaging 1.4 goals scored per game, they haven’t managed a clean sheet in their last five matches. Manager Ange Postecoglou faces immense pressure to turn things around as Forest sits 17th in the league.

Forest will need a drastic improvement in both defensive organisation and attacking efficiency if they hope to overcome Newcastle and climb the standings.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Nottingham Forest’s key men will be pivotal if they are to secure a result against Newcastle. Leading the line is Chris Wood, their top scorer with 2 goals this season; his aerial prowess and finishing ability make him a constant threat. Morgan Gibbs-White, playing as the attacking midfielder, will be the creative lynchpin, tasked with delivering key passes and driving forward.

In midfield, Ibrahim Sangaré will anchor the team’s defensive efforts, looking to break up Newcastle’s attacks and initiate counter-attacks. Elliot Anderson’s energy and tenacity will also be crucial in midfield battles. Defensively, Nikola Milenkovic is expected to marshal the backline, trying to fend off Newcastle’s offensive threats.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest:

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defenders: Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Felipe Morato, Nicolo Savona
• Midfielders: Nicolas Dominguez, Elliot Anderson
• Forwards: Dilane Bakwa, Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye, Chris Wood

With these key players stepping up, Forest will aim to exploit any lapses in Newcastle’s defence.

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest will be without several key players due to injuries as they head into their clash against Newcastle United. Ola Aina is sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return until early January 2026. Douglas Luiz is doubtful with a hamstring injury and may not be fit in time for the match. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko is recovering from a muscle injury and is not expected to return until late October 2025.

These absences could severely impact Forest’s options, particularly in defence and midfield. The lack of key players could hinder the team’s defensive solidity and midfield control, areas where they’ve already been struggling. Manager Ange Postecoglou will need to rely on the depth of his squad to compensate for these injuries in a crucial matchup against Newcastle United.

Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Chris Wood
• Midfield Duo: Nicolas Dominguez, Elliot Anderson
• Defensive Strength: Defensive struggles, no clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on counter-attacks for goal opportunities

Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Nottingham Forest is likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation. Chris Wood, their main forward, will lead the attack; his aerial prowess and finishing will be crucial in capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. Morgan Gibbs-White will act as the key playmaker, sitting just behind Wood and looking to create chances with his vision and passing ability.

The midfield duo of Nicolas Dominguez and Elliot Anderson will be tasked with breaking up Newcastle’s play and transitioning quickly from defence to attack. Their role will be vital in containing Newcastle’s dynamic midfield trio.

Defensively, Nikola Milenkovic will need to marshal the backline efficiently to manage Newcastle’s attacking threats spearheaded by Nick Woltemade. Given their recent defensive struggles, Forest will need a more coordinated effort to stand firm against Newcastle’s offensive pressure.

The focus will be on staying compact defensively and striking on the break, hoping to exploit any lapses in Newcastle’s backline, particularly in the closing stages where Newcastle has shown vulnerability.

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Statistics

Recent clashes between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest have provided plenty of entertainment, with Newcastle typically coming out on top. In their last five meetings:

• On 23 February 2025, Newcastle defeated Forest 4-3 in the Premier League.
• On 10 November 2024, Newcastle won 3-1 away in the Premier League.
• On 28 August 2024, Newcastle edged out Forest 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the EFL Cup.
• On 10 February 2024, Newcastle secured a 3-2 victory away in the Premier League.
• On 26 December 2023, Forest achieved a 3-1 win at Newcastle in the Premier League.

Overall, Newcastle holds an advantage, with four victories in the last five encounters, suggesting they may have the psychological edge heading into this fixture. These matches have been high-scoring and closely contested, setting the stage for another potentially thrilling showdown at St James’ Park.

Odds accurate as of 03.10.2025 14:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.