Newcastle United host Nottingham Forest with the hosts wanting to bounce back from last weekend’s thrashing at Manchester City.
Eddie Howe’s side were put to the sword on the Etihad as they suffered their third defeat of their last 4 Premier League games.
While the Magpies have booked their place within the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup fifth round, that stuttering league form has seen them slip right down to seventh, three points off fourth place.
Newcastle left Manchester last week battered but with no fresh injury concerns with a few essential names nearing their returns.
Sven Botman’s return to the side firstly of the yr lasted just five games, suffering one other knee issue within the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.
While it was not the knee that required anterior cruciate ligament surgery last yr, it has ruled him out of the last two outings.
Howe suggested last week the Dutchman might be back in his plans this Sunday.
Joelinton meanwhile has missed the last three games along with his own knee problem and while this weekend is more likely to come too soon for the Brazilian, Howe is confident he can be available for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on 16 March.
Harvey Barnes meanwhile was back within the matchday squad last weekend at City but remained among the many subs that afternoon.
Nick Pope meanwhile has spent 4 of the last five games on the bench since recovering from his knee problem, unable to dislodge Martin Dubravka in goal along with his only start coming within the FA Cup win over Birmingham City.
Forest want to tighten their grip on a top 4 spot, sat in third place heading into the weekend just three points behind Arsenal.
Nuno Espirito Santo has a completely fit squad to pick from with Taiwo Awoniyi back in contention ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.
The striker suffered a broken nose within the FA Cup win over Exeter last week, missing the defeat to Fulham with concussion protocols enforced.
Callum Hudson-Odoi can be available again, making his return at Craven Cottage after missing three games with a groin issue.
Predicted Newcastle team to face Forest
Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno, Tonali, Willock, Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Predicted Forest team to face Newcastle
Sels, Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina, Gibbs-White, Danilo, Anderson, Williams, Wood, Elanga
Where to look at Newcastle vs Forest? Kick-off time and TV channel
Newcastle vs Forest kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 23 February.
The match can be broadcast live to tell the tale Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Major Event with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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