This was a reminder of just how good Newcastle United can be when they are at their intense best as they blew Nottingham Forest apart like a hurricane in the first half.
And it was also a reminder of how easily they can lose the way when they let their intensity drop as the visitors almost staged a remarkable comeback in the second
Having conceded an early goal, gifting Callum Hudon-Odoi the opener when Jacob Murphy stupidly coughed up possession from their own throw-in, running back towards his own goal, Newcastle’s response was unstoppable.
It was a good finish from the Forest winger, although questions will be asked about goalkeeper Nick Pope’s positioning as he left a huge amount of his net for him to aim at, but it stung Eddie Howe’s side into action.
When they fly into their opponents like this, surging forward down both flanks with this sort of speed and precision, they are devastating. Forest did not know what hit them as Newcastle scored four goals in under 12 minutes. It was an awesome display of their weapons of mass destruction.
Teenage midfielder Lewis Miley scored the first, picked out by a crisp cross from Lewis Hall, before Murphy redeemed himself bundling the ball home from close range.
That second goal all came from Isak’s sublime back heel to send Hall in on goal and the Sweden international added the third from the penalty spot, embarrassing goalkeeper Matz Sels with a chipped finish that left the Belgian in a heap in his own net.
Isak scored his fourth after excellent work from Joe Willock, becoming the seventh fastest player in Premier League history to reach his half century.
Newcastle switched off after the break and allowed Forest to pull a goal back through Nikola Milenkovic and when substitute Ryan Yates scored a third in the 90th minute it created far more tension than was necessary.
Full match report to follow
04:42 PM GMT
Thanks for joining us
That brings to an end our coverage of this seven-goal thriller at St James’ Park as Newcastle clung on to a 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest. Thank you for joining us!
04:38 PM GMT
More from Nuno on the game of two halves
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has told BBC Match of the Day: “First half Newcastle were better. Second half, us better. And the goals proved that. There is no explanation [to the first half] we have to wait and see.
“It was a big gap to to try and recover from. The reaction was very good. We gave it our all and we created a lot of chances against Newcastle and believed we could win the game.
“The reaction was good, I think the team was more recognisable. We played good and were positive going forward. This pleased me the most.
“I wish it was 10 minutes [added on] to get [the equaliser]. We were in a good moment.”
On what is the aim this season, he said: “To compete. It’s the same approach, day by day. A lot to improve for the next one.”
04:35 PM GMT
Howe: 50 goals for Isak is ‘huge’
On Alexander Isak reaching 50 Premier League goals, Eddie Howe said: “It is huge and when he plays like he did in the first half he is massive for us. He showed his pace and the timing of the run was excellent. Big player.”
04:33 PM GMT
‘Trying to control my thoughts’, says Howe
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “I am trying to control my thoughts and stay positive. We have won the game and that is what we needed to do.
“I thought it was a great performance in the first half and we were everything we weren’t at Manchester City. We didn’t manage the game well but overall we are happy with the win.
“It was always a difficult game and when they took the early lead you know you have an big task. I thought we were great with the ball ad looked dynamic but then a couple of frailties showed in terms of defending set plays.
“When you win and you have things to improve, that is a good start point. That’s what I’ll take away from today.
“We can reflect on that 45 minutes and there are things that we can do better. We pride ourselves on doing better and getting the details right.”
04:30 PM GMT
Relief and despair
04:27 PM GMT
All eyes on City
For Newcastle and Forest, all eyes will now be on whether Manchester City can get a result against Liverpool.
That one is just moments from getting underway and you can follow Telegraph Sport’s live updates of the clash at the Etihad here.
04:25 PM GMT
Nuno: ‘I wish there was 10 minutes added on’
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has told Sky Sports: “First half, clearly Newcastle better. Second half was better but unfortunately not enough. Too bad, too soon.
“It’s about trying to settle down, calm down and try to be ourselves. In the first half I didn’t recognise our team In the second half we were much better.”
On what his side did wrong in the first half, he said: “I don’t know, this is what I’m going to work on now. This is a game which is good to reflect on.
“We made mistakes. Newcastle made mistakes also. But it was two totally different halves. We started well, we scored, and they just rolled over us.
“There was nothing else in the first half about us. Every time Newcastle had the ball they scored.
“I wish there was 10 minutes added on. We needed that time. We were on top, Newcastle were on the ropes. With 10 minutes I think we can get something from this game.”
04:21 PM GMT
Goalscorer Miley on ‘hectic’ game
Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley has told Sky Sports: “I’d describe it as a hectic game. We played really well in the first half and put ourselves under pressure in the second. I’m really glad we’ve got the win. We’re pushing for Europe now.”
Discussing his goal, he said: “It’s a really proud moment for my boyhood club. It was such an important moment to score.”
On Alexander Isak’s penalty, he said: “As soon as I saw the keeper stay I thoughy: ‘Oh no, he going to save it’.
“It’s ridiculous really. It’s a privilege to play with a player like that. It’s great to get tips off him.
Discussing the performance, he said: “We were under pressure a bit and it was quite scrappy in the second half. But at least we got the win.
“We all want to be in the Champions League. That’s where we want to get to as a team.
“It’s a really big win and this is a step forward. We need to go on now and keep looking forward.”
04:18 PM GMT
Forest faltering at the wrong moment?
Nottingham Forest have now lost three of their last four games in the league, having conceded 11 goals in those three defeats.
They are now just three points ahead of Newcastle and Manchester City.
Fortunately for Nuno’s men, Bournemouth and Chelsea lost on Saturday meaning the advantage over those sides remains at four points.
Up next though is a home clash against Arsenal, which will be a huge occasion for Forest to prove their top-four credentials.
04:13 PM GMT
Newcastle ‘dropped in second half’, says Isak
Speaking to Sky Sports, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak said: “It was a brilliant first half, the reaction after conceding was really good. We dropped a bit second half and conceded sloppy goals. I’m obviously happy to win the game.”
On his penalty, which Sels nearly saved, he said: “I already made my mind up I was going to go down the middle. It counts so it doesn’t matter.
“The most important thing was to win. We want to win more comfortably, but it was a big win.”
04:10 PM GMT
50 up for Isak
Alexander Isak scored his 18th and 19th goals of the season to go ahead of Chris Wood in the standings and level with Erling Haaland.
The Swede’s second was his 50th in the Premier League, making him the seventh-fastest player to hit the milestone.
04:02 PM GMT
What this result does to the table
04:01 PM GMT
Huge relief for Newcastle
Newcastle clinch the three points and Eddie Howe will be breathing a huge sigh of relief after Forest took them right to the end after being 4-1 down at half-time.
Nuno will be disappointed at how his side collapsed in those 11 minutes in the opening period but his side gave a valiant effort to reduce the deficit to one.
03:58 PM GMT
Full time: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Wilson has a chance to seal victory on the counter. His shot is blocked but it doesn’t matter as the full-time whistle blows.
03:56 PM GMT
90+2 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 3
There is only three minutes of added time though so not long left for Forest to find an equaliser.
The ball comes into the box and Yates sends a header wide but is adamant he was pushed by Gordon. Replays show he was pushed, but Gordon had been pushed first by Aina. No penalty.
03:55 PM GMT
GOAL! Yates reduces deficit to just one
Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 3 (Yates) The corner comes in from the right and lands at the feet of Gibbs-White.
His volley on goal is blocked just before the line by Schar but it lands at the feet of Yates who tucks home to make it 4-3. Game on!
03:53 PM GMT
89 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Gibbs-White sends an inswinging cross into the box from the left. It’s over-hit but so much so that it forces Pope to turn it over for a corner.
03:51 PM GMT
87 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Isak looks to just be struggling with a knock as he clutches his lower back and he is swiftly replaced by Wilson for these closing stages.
Forest send men forward for a free-kick from just inside their half but Murillo plays it down the right channel to Hudson-Odoi. He whips in a sensational cross right across the face of goal but no one is there to nod home.
03:49 PM GMT
85 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Forest bring bodies forward for a long throw from Aina form the right. The ball is cleared back to the full-back who shows some nice skill to make room for the cross.
He manages to pick out Milenkovic but his header goes wide of the right post. Another big chance for a Forest defender.
03:48 PM GMT
84 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Gordon slips Isak into the left channel and the forward holds it up nicely. Newcastle work it nicely across the face of the box to Barnes on the right and the winger cuts in onto his left but sees his effort blocked.
Bruno goes strongly into a challenge on Yates in the corner and looks like he’s just scored a goal as he punches the air.
03:44 PM GMT
80 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
A big chance for Murillo! The corner comes in from the right but the central defender doesn’t look like he was expecting the ball to reach him. It just bounces off his head but it goes inches wide of the right post.
03:42 PM GMT
78 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
The first changes of the afternoon for Forest now as Yates and Sangare replace Dominguez and Anderson in midfield. Anderson receives a warm reception from all corners of the ground.
Livramento has his pocket picked by Elanga as he drives out from the back but Hall puts in a great sliding challenge to stop the winger in his tracks and it’s out for another Forest corner.
03:38 PM GMT
75 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Newcastle have a chance to counter but Bruno’s through-ball for Isak is poor. Down the other end and Aina over-hits a cross to the back post that floats out for a goal-kick.
Hall dispossesses Aina before wriggling through three or four Forest defenders with some lovely skill and he is eventually chopped down by Dominguez who picks up the booking.
03:36 PM GMT
72 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Eddie Howe has seen enough and is bringing on Barnes and Tonali to replace Murphy and Willock. The Newcastle manager will be hoping the Italian can help to just get a griphold on this game once again.
The hosts have offered virtually nothing going forward in this second period. Forest have had the last six attempts of the game. Can they find another goal to set up a thrilling finale?
03:34 PM GMT
69 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
There are huge appeals for a handball after Miley blocked Anderson’s volley from the edge of the box but there is nothing doing. Replays show it may have hit his arm but it was right by his side.
It’s Miley who gives it away in a really dangerous position now but Forest fail to capitalise on the error as Elanga is forced wide.
03:32 PM GMT
Forest back in it
That is the danger of switching off. Newcastle have invited Forest back into the game, on and off the stands. There has been no noise from the fans and no energy at all on the pitch.
They thought they had this game won already and suddenly the momentum is with the visitors.
Newcastle have barely strung more than a couple of passes together in the second half.
Now the noise inside the stadium are all moans and groans. Manager Eddie Howe needs to get a grip of this
03:31 PM GMT
68 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2
Newcastle are the side to appear rattled now as Burn gives it away again with a sloppy pass but he makes amends with a well-timed sliding challenge inside the box.
The mood has changed though in St James’ Park with the home fans sensing they’re up against it.
03:29 PM GMT
GOAL! Milenkovic gets one back for Forest
Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 2 (Milenkovic) Well Newcastle have been struggling in this second half and Forest do have one back.
The corner from the right is flicked on at the near post and finds Wood at the back post. He hooks a volley back across the six-yard box and Milenkovic produces a back-heel flick from close range to reduce the deficit.
03:27 PM GMT
62 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
A sloppy pass from Burn gifts Wood the ball on the edge of the box but after the striker lays it off to Anderson, the midfielder’s shot is blocked and the chance appears to have gone.
Forest keep it alive though and win the corner down their right.
03:24 PM GMT
Newcastle’s intensity dropped several levels
Newcastle’s intensity, perhaps unsurprisingly, has dropped several levels since half time and Nottingham Forest have gained a foothold in the game.
If Anthony Elanga had tried to go with head rather than his feet they might even have pulled a goal back.
For a team winning 4-1 at home, the atmosphere has also gone strangely flat. The number of fans who were late returning to their seats after the break was very annoying. Very unusual for St James’ Park too.
03:23 PM GMT
60 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
Newcastle have just taken their foot off the gas in the last ten minutes with Forest starting to find themselves in promising positions.
A Dominguez pass runs straight out for a goal-kick though and just kills the visitors’ momentum for now.
03:20 PM GMT
56 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
Dominguez and Livramento are both hurt after a robust challenge between the pair and the Newcastle man is the one to be penalised, picking up a booking.
Replays show that is a pretty harsh call. The right-back basically pulled out of the challenge and was unlucky to even give away the foul.
03:18 PM GMT
54 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
What a miss! Gibbs-White swings in a sensational cross from the right which picks out Williams at the back post.
The left-back nods the ball back across the face of goal but Elanga volleys over from a couple of yards out. He had to go with his head! He was really stretching to get his foot high enough.
03:16 PM GMT
53 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
It looks like Hudson-Odoi and Elanga have switched flanks for now with the former moving out to this right-hand side.
Willock bursts past Anderson in midfield and is brought down by the former Newcastle man who picks up a yellow card.
03:14 PM GMT
51 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
It’s nearly a fifth for the hosts! Hall’s corner from the right picks out Schar and his looping header hits the bar, above the top left corner of the goal. Huge let off for Forest.
Murillo’s pass is clipped out of play, a long way from any of his team-mates and things don’t seem to be much better for Forest in this half.
03:11 PM GMT
48 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
There are no changes from either of the sides at the break. Maybe Nuno is giving his players five minutes to impress before changing things.
Newcastle are continuing to come forward and Murphy’s cross from the right is headed behind for a corner by Murillo.
03:09 PM GMT
46 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
We are back underway at St James’ Park with the visitors getting things underway going from left to right. Can they get themselves back in it or will Newcastle kick on?
03:05 PM GMT
50 up for Isak
03:02 PM GMT
As it stands
Newcastle will be going within three points of Forest if they can protect their three-goal lead in this second half.
They will also be going level with Manchester City ahead of the champions’ clash with leaders Liverpool later on today.
02:56 PM GMT
Forest ripped to pieces
Fantastic half of Premier League football and a reminder that Newcastle United are as good as anyone when they are in this sort of mood. The blend of physicality, energy and skill is unstoppable when it clicks.
Nottingham Forest, despite being gifted an early lead, have been ripped to pieces by their speed, movement and progressive passing through the lines.
02:53 PM GMT
Half-time: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
And breathe! Forest get through the final minutes of stoppage time unscathed and this remarkable opening period at St James’ Park comes to an end.
It was the visitors who took the lead after six minutes when Hudson-Odoi punished Murphy’s error as he rifled home from the edge of the box.
Newcastle had been on top though and they made their dominance pay in a sensational 11-minute spell as they turned the game around to lead 4-1.
Miley equalised before Murphy scrambled home a second to take the lead. Isak then scored his 18th goal of the season from the spot before adding a second with a deflected strike from close range.
02:51 PM GMT
45+5 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
A really sloppy pass from Pope gifts Gibbs-White the ball on the edge of the box but his low rifled effort is straight at at the relieved Newcastle keeper.
Down the other end and Willock’s pull-back from the left picks out Isak inside the box. He takes a really sharp first touch to shift the ball onto his left foot but his effort is blocked for a corner.
Schar is penalised for an infringement on Sels though. A couple of minutes left of added time.
02:49 PM GMT
45+3 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
Forest have a rare flurry forward into the Newcastle half and earn a couple of corners but the hosts are able to cope with the deliveries into the box.
There are appeals from the visitors for a handball from Isak following a block from the forward but replays show it was made by a more sensitive area than the arm.
Milenkovic picks up a yellow for an elbow on Bruno as the pair competed in the air.
02:47 PM GMT
45 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
Newcastle are really turning the screw here. Willock picks out Gordon in the left of the box. He shifts the ball onto his left foot and squares the ball across goal but Willock’s effort is blocked.
The ball drops back to Gordon though and he looks to rifle home from a tight angle. The ball strikes the arm of Milenkovic but it is checked and cleared by VAR.
02:43 PM GMT
42 mins: Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1
Sadly an update that’s not about a goal. Hall, who has been excellent, is down for a moment receiving treatment but, fortunately for Newcastle fans, he looks like he will be able to continue.
Forest look really rattled here with Murillo booting a clearance out for a throw-in when he could have probably could have done something a little more effective. Newcastle have a corner but it comes to nothing.
02:40 PM GMT
Simply sensational from Newcastle
What a response this has been from Newcastle. Simply sensational. They could easily have lost their way after conceding such a terrible opening goal but they have blown Nottingham Forest apart.
The first goal came from a brilliant pass from Lewis Hall to pick out Lewis Miley inside the box and the youngster produced a delightful finish.
The second was all about the skill and awareness of Alexander Isak, who pulled the Forest defence one way and with a perfectly executed backheel, sent Hall scampering into the area in the other direction. His cross was deflected into the path of Murphy who guided it across the line with his thigh.
Isak has just scored the third from the penalty spot, with a cheeky chipped finish that left Matz Sels in a heap in the back of the net. The spot kick would have been retaken anyway as the goalkeeper had come off his line before Isak had connected with the ball.
Forest look like they do not know what has hit them and some great work from Joe Willock gives Isak a second and Newcastle a fourth.
Newcastle have scored four goals in 11 minutes. Remarkable turnaround.
02:36 PM GMT
GOAL! Isak scores Newcastle’s fourth in 11 minutes
Newcastle United 4 Nottingham Forest 1 (Isak) WOW! Newcastle are running riot. Willock breaks down the left and slips Isak into the left of the box.
He looks to finish first-time and his low strike takes a nick of Murillo, goes over Sels and into the back of the net for his 50th Premier League goal. Forest are being torn apart.
02:34 PM GMT
GOAL! Isak makes it three from the spot
Newcastle United 3 Nottingham Forest 1 (Isak) It’s Isak to step up for Newcastle and he just about converts. After a stuttering run-up he looks to stroke it down the middle, just under the bar.
The goalkeeper is able to stay in the middle of the goal but is back-pedalling slightly and he falls into the back of the net with the ball. What a strange penalty.
02:31 PM GMT
Penalty given! Aina penalised for handball
Newcastle United 2 Nottingham Forest 1 Hall swings in a ball from the left of the box and Aina appears to block the cross with his right arm as he jumps and turns his back.
There are huge appeals from the Newcastle players and the home fans. There is a check from the video assistant referee (VAR) and after the referee checks the monitor, the decision is penalty!
02:28 PM GMT
GOAL! Murphy scrambles home to take lead
Newcastle United 2 Nottingham Forest 1 (Murphy) Less than three minutes after the equaliser, Newcastle have the lead!
Isak’s cute back-heel picks out the run of the underlapping Hall. The full-back drives into the box before looking to sqaure the ball across goal.
His pass takes a deflection to loop over Sels and Murphy is arriving at the back post to slide in on his knees and scramble the ball home. Redemption for the winger!
02:25 PM GMT
GOAL! Miley equalises with excellent finish
Newcastle United 1 Nottingham Forest 1 (Miley) Aina is penalised for a challenge on Gordon and Newcastle can send men forward once again. Hall’s delivery picks out Bruno at the back post but his bouncing header loops over everyone.
Newcastle keep it alive though and Hall picks out Miley just inside the box . The youngster takes an excellent first touch before picking out the bottom right corner. Superb finish.
02:22 PM GMT
21mins: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Livramento makes a clever run into the right channel and he is picked out by an excellent ball in behind.
The full-back looks to square the ball across the face of goal for Gordon arriving at the back post but it has just a bit too much on it and the winger can only graze a stud on it.
02:20 PM GMT
18 mins: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Murphy is not on the same wave length as Gordon as his pass harmlessly rolls out for a goal-kick and you can already feel frustration growing inside St James’. Not the best of starts by Murphy.
Forest are yet to have a touch in the Newcastle box while the home side have had 11 touches in the Forest box. A real smash and grab job so far.
02:15 PM GMT
Home support not in a good mood
Worst possible start for Newcastle United. A risky throw from Bruno, a brain freeze moment from Jacob Murphy who gifts the ball to Callum Hudson-Odoi deep inside his own half.
It was a self-destruct passage of play although take nothing away from Hudson-Odoi, who made full use of the space given to him to drill a low shot into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Nick Pope nowhere near it.
The away fans are in fine voice. The home support are not in a good mood. Newcastle had started the game well too.
02:14 PM GMT
14 mins: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Newcastle float the free-kick into the area and Schar does well to win the initial header to nod it back across the box. It lands with Miley and he looks to volley home first time but Murillo is well -positioned to make a crucial block.
Moments later and Newcastle work it nicely out to Murphy on the right but his first-time cross has too much on it and it sails over Isak. Newcastle have been all over Forest but find themselves a goal down.
02:10 PM GMT
10 mins: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Aina gives away the foul on Forest’s right presenting Newcastle the chance to load the box. Hall delivers an excellent outswinging cross but Forest survive.
Dominguez then gives away the foul, shoving Bruno to the floor, and he is incredibly lucky to avoid the yellow as he kicks the ball away.
02:09 PM GMT
GOAL! Hudson-Odoi strikes early
Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 1 (Hudson-Odoi) Forest take an early lead!
Murphy has the ball pinched from him by Hudson-Odoi in a dangerous position in his own half after receiving a square throw-in from Livramento.
The winger gets the ball out of his feet before striking home into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box. A really clincical finish in typical Forest fashion.
02:06 PM GMT
6 mins: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Willock drives well down the left, holding off Dominguez, before floating a cross up to the back post. It should be catching practise for Sels but he spills it and it’s behind for a corner. He’s lucky he didn’t parry that in his own net.
Gordon plays the corner short before receiving it back but his subsequent cross into the box is really poor and drifts over the bar.
02:03 PM GMT
4 mins: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 0
It’s Newcastle enjoying more of the ball in the early stages. Gordon and Isak combine nicely to free Hall down the left but Aina gets back well to put the challenge in and it’s out for a corner.
Burn flicks on the inswinging delivery to the back post where Isak hooks it back across goal but Forest can clear.
02:01 PM GMT
Newcastle chairman in attendance
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is at St James’ Park for the first time this season ahead of his usual round of departmental reviews.
The timing though is significant as the Newcastle board are also going to present the two options for the new stadium in the coming days, which should lead to a final decision on whether they are going to press ahead with a new ground on land adjacent to their current home or expand and modernise St James’ Park.
02:00 PM GMT
1 min: Newcastle United 0 Nottingham Forest 0
We are underway at St James’ Park with Newcastle and Isak getting things underway going from left to right.
Jarred Gillett is the man in the middle this afternoon.
01:56 PM GMT
Kick-off approaching
We are less than five minutes away from kick-off at St James’ Park with the players gathering now in the tunnel.
Will Forest go nine points clear of Newcastle or will the hosts close the gap as both teams hunt for Champions League football?
01:54 PM GMT
‘Pope’s presence brings so much to Newcastle side’, says Richards
Speaking on Sky Sports about Nick Pope’s inclusion, Micah Richards has said: “I think Martin Dubravka did quite well in the run of games he’s had but Nick Pope’s presence adds something different.
“Playing with his feet is not his strength but he is a brilliant shot stopper. His presence just brings so much to that side.”
01:50 PM GMT
As things stand
Nottingham Forest are currently sat in third, six points adrift of Arsenal in second and three points ahead of Manchester City in fourth.
Nuno’s men are also six points ahead of Newcastle, who are currently sat in 8th in the league.
A win for Howe’s men this afternoon would take them up to fifth though, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Bournemouth all within reach.
01:46 PM GMT
A tale of two forwards
Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more Premier League goals than Chris Wood (18) and Alexander Isak (17) this season.
Will this afternoon’s tie be decided by the firing centre-forwards?
01:42 PM GMT
Important for Forest to open the scoring
Forest have opened the scoring in 19 Premier League games this season, more than any other side, but have lost five of their six fixtures when conceding the first goal.
They will no doubt be looking to the combination of Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White to find the opener this afternoon.
Wood has scored 29 Premier League goals in 41 appearances under Nuno Espirito Santo while Gibbs-White has been directly involved in nine goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances.
01:37 PM GMT
Return of Pope a big call from Howe
The big call from Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is the return in goal of Nick Pope, which has dropped Martin Dubravka down to the bench 72 hours after signing a new contract.
It is the right decision. Pope is a better shot stopper than Dubravka and Newcastle need to stop the ball going into their net more than they need someone who can distribute more confidently playing out from the back.
It is also a big day for Lewis Miley, as the teenager comes in for Sandro Tonali in the centre of midfield. There is a lot expected from the 18-year-old who many believe will become a superstar for club and country in the years to come. He has barely played this season - largely due to the form of Bruno, Joelinton and Tonali - but impressed coming off the bench at Man City last weekend.
This is a very important game for Newcastle. If they lose to Forest today, it will not only be a third successive home defeat, it will put a major dent in their top four aspirations. Forest, in third, are currently six points clear of the Magpies down in eighth.
01:36 PM GMT
The scene at St James’
01:33 PM GMT
Newcastle’s slip in form
Newcastle have lost three of their past four league matches, conceding 10 goals in those three defeats.
They are at risk of losing three consecutive Premier League home fixtures for the first time in four years.
Eddie Howe’s side kept clean sheets in their final four league games of 2024 but have just one in six top-flight matches this calendar year.
01:28 PM GMT
Head-to-head
In the reverse fixture at the City Ground in November, Newcastle scored three second half goals to turn the tie on its head and win 3-1.
It was Forest who won this fixture 3-1 last season thanks to a Chris Wood hat-trick, ending a run of seven consecutive league defeats at St James’ Park.
That is their only victory in 13 Premier League games against Newcastle, having lost on nine occasions.
01:23 PM GMT
Danilo ‘not in the right moment’, says Nuno
Speaking to Sky Sports today, Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has said: “You can see by the results in the Premier League that everything is so difficult to predict, all the teams are so good and you never know what is going to happen in each game.
“What we know is that we are going to face a tough team in Newcastle, we have to play really good. We have to always try to look at the opponent and their strengths and how you can control that.
“But more than that it is about us playing better and trying to react to our last performance. The last game is a warning sign for us of things we cannot repeat.”
On the absence of Danilo, he said: “He travelled with us but we decided he is not in the right moment. We need to give him some more time.”
01:19 PM GMT
Forest falter at Fulham
Despite Chris Wood bagging his 18th goal of the season, Nottingham Forest were convincingly beaten by Fulham in their last Premier League outing.
Goals from Emile Smith-Rowe and Calvin Bassey were enough for Marco Silva’s side to clinch a deserved win.
01:15 PM GMT
‘Tough call’ to drop Dubravka, says Howe
Speaking to Sky Sports about Nick Pope’s return to the side, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has said: “Tough call because I have good goalkeepers and Martin Dubravka has done well but it is a big chance for Nick.
“We are expecting a big response today.
“I think it has been a chance to reassess and redefine our basics and values and we want to see that today. We want to see a return to our core principles and hopefully that will be enough to win the game.
“There is always pressure. We are coming into the latter stage of the season and we are running out of opportunities to win points. I think it will be a good game.”
01:11 PM GMT
Newcastle hammered by City
Newcastle United were thrashed 4-0 away at Manchester City last time out in the Premier League.
City’s January signing Omar Marmoush scored a superb 14-minute hat-trick in the opening period before James McCatee added a fourth late on.
Newcastle have now lost 16 successive matches at the Etihad and failed to score on their past six visits.
Will the introduction of Nick Pope and Tino Livramento sure things up at the back for Howe’s men this afternoon?
01:07 PM GMT
Nuno hungry for improvements after Fulham loss
Discussing his opponents today, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said: “There is no secret in football. We face a good team and a good manager [Eddie Howe] - a manager who has good players that perform very well. We have to fight and show our talent.”
On Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, he said: “Very good player, but like I said, the squad of Newcastle is very strong in all the positions.”
He said Forest must be better “all over the place” after being beaten 2-1 last weekend at Fulham.
“We have to compete better. That’s what we will be trying to do. We are reaching the moment of the season that everyone will be fighting for their own objectives,” he added.
01:03 PM GMT
Howe ‘delighted’ for Wood
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has been on the receiving end of some high praise from his former manager Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle manager said: “I think he has been outstanding.
“Chris, when he came to us, helped us in a really difficult situation fighting relegation.
“We felt we needed a focal point in that position, somebody who could take a lot of pressure off of us as a team and give us a physical presence. I thought he did all of those things and was outstanding for the team.
“I’m delighted for him on a personal level because he is a great character and gave everything for us.”
12:59 PM GMT
Injury news
Newcastle defender Sven Botman is set to miss a third consecutive game with a knee problem.
Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles are also still sidelined by knee injuries.
Taiwo Awoniyi returns for Nottingham Forest after missing out last weekend following a concussion in the FA Cup fourth round against Exeter.
Carlos Miguel remains absent after injuring his hamstring against the League One club.
12:55 PM GMT
Those line-ups in full
Newcastle United: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Miley, Bruno, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Subs: Barnes, Krafth, Trippier, Longstaff, Tonali, Osula, Dubravka, Targett, Wilson.
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Gibbs-White, Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Wood, Hudson-Odoi.
Subs: Toffolo, Awoniyi, Silva, Hennessey, Morato, Moreno, Sangare, Sosa, Yates.
12:51 PM GMT
Nuno makes two changes
There are two changes to the Forest team that were beaten by Fulham last weekend as Nuno brings in Dominguez and Hudson-Odoi for Danilo and Morato, perhaps indicating a change of system from a back-three to a back-four.
12:48 PM GMT
Three changes for Newcastle
Eddie Howe makes three changes to the Newcastle side that started in the 4-0 loss against Manchester City as Pope, Livramento and Miley come in for Dubravka, Trippier and Tonali.
12:45 PM GMT
Preview: Crucial clash in tussle for top four
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest from the Premier League as Eddie Howe’s men look to close the gap in the race for Champions League football.
Newcastle are currently sat in eighth but would climb up to fifth and go within three points of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who are in third, with victory this afternoon. The hosts would also go level on points with Manchester City in fourth ahead of the champions’ clash with leaders Liverpool later on this afternoon.
Meanwhile, a win for Forest would see them go seven points clear of Bournemouth and Chelsea in fifth and sixth, respectively, and would take them just three points shy of Arsenal after their title hopes were dealt a blow with defeat against West Ham United on Saturday.
Both teams have entered a sticky patch as of late after each enjoying a scintillating run of form. After winning six games on the bounce in the league, Newcastle have triumphed just once in their last four with defeats coming against Bournemouth, Fulham and, most recently, Manchester City in a humbling 4-0 hammering at the Etihad.
As for Forest, they had enjoyed a similarly remarkable run, winning seven from eight in the league and drawing the other but they have now been beaten twice in a topsy-turvy three-game period. A crushing 5-0 defeat away at Bournemouth was followed up by a 7-0 thumping of Brighton and Hove Albion before they were dominated by Fulham in a 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage.
Howe’s men have been accused in recent weeks of only turning up for the big occasions. Even with a cup final on the horizon, the implications of this afternoon’s tie will surely be enough to muster a big-game attitude in the home dressing room.
