AliousPaul Merson has expressed concerns about Newcastle United as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest in their upcoming Premier League fixture.
The Magpies will host Forest at St James’ Park on Sunday, with manager Eddie Howe seeking a strong reaction from his squad following a disastrous 4-0 defeat to Manchester City. That heavy loss dented their Champions League hopes, making this match even more crucial, especially as Nottingham Forest currently sit above them in the league standings.
Newcastle will face a tough challenge, particularly with Elliot Anderson returning to his former home ground. Additionally, they must be wary of the red-hot Chris Wood, who has impressively netted 18 Premier League goals this season—a stark contrast to his time with the Magpies.
### Merson’s Verdict on Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest
Despite Newcastle’s previous victories over Forest this season—including one on penalties—Paul Merson is not optimistic about a home win. Sharing his predictions with *Sportskeeda*, the former Arsenal forward anticipates a 1-1 draw, citing Newcastle’s recent struggles.
“I was disappointed with Newcastle last week,” Merson admitted. “They played against Manchester City as if they were in top form, but they were completely outclassed. Newcastle allowed City to attack, and they paid the price.”
Merson also believes the looming Carabao Cup final could be a distraction for the Magpies. He emphasized the significance of this opportunity, as Newcastle players have a chance to become club legends. “I’m nearly 56, and I’ve never seen Newcastle lift a trophy! It’s only natural for players to have one eye on making history.”
On the other hand, Merson pointed out Nottingham Forest’s resilience. He acknowledged that their loss to Fulham was deserved but highlighted their ability to bounce back after defeats. Following setbacks against Arsenal and Manchester City earlier in the season, Forest responded with victories, and they will need to replicate that response this weekend.
### Newcastle’s Challenge Before the Carabao Cup Final
Merson’s remarks about the Carabao Cup final highlight a key concern for Eddie Howe. The manager must ensure his squad remains focused on league performances while preparing for their Wembley showdown.
Newcastle’s struggles leading up to their 2023 Carabao Cup final appearance against Manchester United serve as a warning. In the three league games between their semi-final and the final, they failed to win, drawing against West Ham and Bournemouth before losing to Liverpool. That dip in form culminated in a 2-0 defeat at Wembley.
This time, Newcastle must build momentum ahead of the final. With four games left before their showdown, they face Forest, followed by league clashes against Liverpool and West Ham, with an FA Cup tie against Brighton in between. Managing these fixtures effectively will be crucial to maintaining their competitive edge.
Alious
