Newcastle v Nottingham Forest - Match Preview

Newcastle have a quick opportunity to put the Boxing Day defeat to Sheffield Wednesday behind them, as they take on Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park on Friday night.

The shock defeat last time out, means that they go into the game two points behind Brighton, who jumped to the top of the table with a comfortable victory over QPR on Tuesday.

Being in second may actually work in Newcastle’s favour, however, as it may take away some of the pressure that comes with trying to maintain the mantle of league-leaders.

The important gap that matters is not to Brighton though, it is to third, and that is still a healthy eight point one.

The game against Forest will have extra meaning for the Magpies, as they will be looking to right a wrong from the reverse fixture just four short weeks ago.

Newcastle lost the game, of course, but the result was brought about due to some bizarre refereeing on the night which saw Rafa Benitez’s side reduced to nine man in the first half.

It wasn’t just the referee which played a significant role that night. Henri Lansbury was also a culprit. His ludicrous over-reaction to the non-existent Jonjo Shelvey ‘stamp’ to the head, and his equally ridiculous dramatic fall to the ground under pressure from Paul Dummett was instrumental to the award of two penalties – both of which were saved by Karl Darlow – and the two red cards.

The Forest midfielder is likely to get the full treatment from a sold out home crowd, who have long memories when it comes to such things – just ask Callum McManaman.

It will be interesting to see how the visitors approach the game tactically, having seen Sheffield Wednesday pull off the perfect away victory a few days ago. They were resolute in defence, and a constant threat on the break.

But it was the physical aspect of their game that set the tone.

Of course, a different referee would more than likely clamp down on the over-zealous challenges and fouls early in the game by cautioning players appropriately – something Paul Tierney failed to do soon enough on Monday.

By time the referee considered taking action, Dwight Gaykle had virtually been kicked from pillar to post, and his frustration was evident, and it clearly affected his game.

Whether managers of other sides, like Forest, look to employ the same tactic remains to be seen, but it is something that Newcastle’s players have to expect, and find a way of dealing with effectively.

Rafa’s approach will be similarly fascinating.

Newcastle blatantly missed Shelvey, and as a result, their passing game was virtually non-existent.

Playing Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden together didn’t seem to work, with the pair having a very similar game, but neither of them fall into the category of play-maker.

Shelvey’s absence may have Rafa looking at a different formation to counter it.

With Yoan Gouffran and Mo Diame looking out of sorts, it may be time to try a Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrović front two.

That way, we can play Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie as the two wingers, and possibly have the more attack minded DeAndre Yedlin and Achraf Lazaar at full-backs.

Playing this formation would make them less reliant on long raking passes from midfield – something they struggle with when Shelvey is not in the side – and mean more emphasis is on getting the ball wide and whipping crosses in from the by-line.

Forest have failed to register a win since they beat Newcastle at the City Ground, having lost three and drawn one of their four following fixtures, and it would be a much bigger shock if they were to leave the north east with the points on Friday.

There should certainly be a good atmosphere, and hopefully the Black and Whites will respond to it in a positive manner by putting another three points on the board.