Nottingham Forest host Newcastle United at the City Ground today as they look to bounce back from a heart-breaking defeat in Europe.
Forest’s Europa League final dreams were dashed with a 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa in the second leg on Thursday, despite winning the first leg 1-0. Forest are currently in 16th place, six points clear of the relegation zone with three matches left.
Despite being relatively safe, Nottingham Forest still need points to mathematically secure their Premier League status. The Magpies are in 13th place with 45 points.
After the win against Brighton, Eddie Howe’s job is reportedly safe for next season, although Newcastle’s own European qualification hopes are all but over. The match features several revenge stories, as Matze Sels, Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson all face their former club, Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga took to the field at the City Ground after starring for Forest last season. The game continues till Sunday afternoon. Early highlights included Newcastle’s William Osula being denied by a desperate leg block from Matze Sels.
The encounter is a reunion of sorts with the Forest Reds featuring former Magpies Matze Sales and Chris Wood, while Anthony Elanga fronts the line for the hosts.
Newcastle will be keeping an eye on how their players respond in the final three games of the season; With 45 points, they are six points behind in seventh place, and their European hopes are fading fast.
For Forest, the aim is simple: overcome their recent slump and secure their top-flight future before the final whistle of the season.
