
Newcastle welcome Nottingham Forest to St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon, with both clubs looking to secure Champions League football next campaign. The hosts defeat Nuno Santo's side 3-1 in the reverse fixture - will the Magpies repeat that result and keep the pressure on their opponents?
Toon Army must bounce back
Newcastle's winning streak has been broken in recent weeks, first falling to defeat against Fulham at home before Manchester City condemned them to a 4-0 hammering at the Etihad.
Throw in the 4-1 loss against Bournemouth, these defeats have held Eddie Howe's side from breaking back into the top four. However, despite these defeats, Newcastle find themselves only three points behind Manchester City before the start of the weekend - and a second win against Forest could be exactly what they need to get back into their groove.
Performances have dipped
With just 13 Premier League games left, Forest find themselves in 3rd place and their European dream is firmly in their hands. However, they'll need to deliver a much stronger result than they did against Fulham last weekend, and their extra 30 minutes against Exeter didn't help either.
And although Forest have the third best away record in the league, they've lost their last two away games heading into this clash. Their 5-0 defeat against Bournemouth showed their incredible season can be pulled from them very quickly.
Only two teams have travelled to the City Ground and left with all three points this season - and Newcastle are one of them. A convincing 3-1 victory really put Forest in their place that day - and showed what a difficult job is to remain competitive against the very best.
However, the Reds travelled to St. James' Park on Boxing Day last campaign and beat them 3-1 in their own back yard - courtesy of a Chris Wood hattrick - and how Geordies will be hoping their former employee doesn't bring his shooting boots this time round.
Newcastle have long had the upper hand over Forest in recent years - but Chris Wood's 18 goals will have them worried.
Both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest need to return to winning ways after disappointing results. However, the hosts look more likely to edge it after Santo's side has struggled to find their usual rhythm on the road.
Toon to topple Forest
Forest's season has been fabulous. But it'll all count for nothing if their recent away form continues. At the City Ground, the Reds are capable of beating anyone, and although their away form has been up there with the very best, they've dropped off in recent weeks - and it's showing.
The 5-0 hammering against Bournemouth was followed up with a lacklustre performance - and defeat - in the capital against Fulham. If a similar performance is delivered, Newcastle will pick up the three points.
And although Newcastle head into this fixture on the back of a heavy defeat themselves, their was plenty to admire from their recent 2-0 win over Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
The Toon Army have beaten Aston Villa, Brentford, Chelsea, Arsenal (twice) and Spurs at home this campaign - and they'll be confident of another big result on Sunday.
Both Newcastle and Forest will be challenging for European places come the end of the season, but Howe's side can take advantage of their visitors recent slump of form on the road and record back-to-back wins against their rivals.
With that in mind, bet365 are offering 4/5 on the home win. Good luck if you're following.

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