Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest prediction 26.12.2023

• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Tuesday, 26th December 2023
• Kickoff: 12:30 UK / 13:30 CET
• Venue: St. James' Park (Newcastle)

With the arrival of the new owners at Newcastle United, the club finally managed to finish in the top four spots last season, securing the Champions League appearance for the first time since the 2003/04 season. This season, the Magpies were solid in all competitions throughout the season, but the last month was an absolute disaster when they lost five of six matches (one loss after penalties). Because of that poor stretch, the Magpies were knocked out of the Carabao Cup, failed to reach the next phase of the UCL, and dropped to 7th place in the Premier League. Right now, they are already seven points away from the desired 4th place.

Nottingham Forest barely secured survival last season as they finished four points away from the danger zone. The current season is looking very similar to the last one, and we expect them to get involved in the relegation battle once again. At this moment, the Forest are 17th, with 14 points in 18 rounds - two points away from Luton Town, but with one game more than the Hatters. 

Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest pick: Both teams to score - NO

Newcasle's offense has been good throughout the season, but that has not been the case in recent games. In the last six games, they only won once and failed to score on two occasions. Despite that bad rund, we believe they can score at St. James' Park, but they should be able to keep a clean sheet against one of the worst offensive teams in the league, Nottingham Forest. Right now, Newcastle have the most clean sheets at home in the Premier League. So far, they have kept their net intact in 67% of the home Premier League games - six out of nine. 

With 19 scored goals in 18 games in the Premier League, Nottingham have the fifth-worst offense. In recent games, they have been absolutely terrible and have won just one point in seven games. Also, they have failed to score in three of the last five games and will have a difficult task of scoring a goal against a good Newcastle team. Also, Nottingham Forest have been a very weak road team, which is another big factor for this bet.

In the previous game at St. James' Park, Newcastle United won 2:0 and we might see a similar result here. Still, since Newcastle have so many injured and suspended players and are in poor form, along with everything above, we are more confident in BTTS - NO bet than in Newcastle's win by two or more goals difference.