All eyes are set on St. James' Park this Sunday as Newcastle United prepare to host Nottingham Forest in a Premier League showdown that carries more weight than the table positions might suggest. For the Magpies, it's a chance to build on their recent European heroics and finally notch back-to-back wins for the first time this season. For Forest, the stakes are even higher, with manager Ange Postecoglou's future hanging in the balance after a tumultuous start to his tenure.
Newcastle enter this clash riding a wave of renewed optimism. Their 4-0 demolition of Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday was not only their biggest ever victory in the competition, but also their first away triumph in Europe’s elite tournament in over two decades. "Hopefully it helps us when we return to the Premier League because we've been waiting for a performance like that," head coach Eddie Howe commented after the match. "It wasn't perfect – there are things we can improve – but it was a big step in the right direction."
That win was powered by a dynamic front three, with Anthony Gordon bagging a brace of penalties, Nick Woltemade continuing his hot streak, and Anthony Elanga putting on his best display yet in black and white. The trio started together for the first time and terrorized the Union Saint-Gilloise backline, giving Newcastle fans hope that the attacking spark they've craved all season has finally arrived. "It’s the first time we’ve played with each other, so it’s important to build a relationship," Elanga shared. "We played a good game on Wednesday, everyone from top to bottom. It’s important we build on this and just keep it going."
Woltemade, the towering German striker signed for a club-record $93 million this summer, has already netted three goals in five appearances. His knack for finding the net at St. James’ Park has fans drawing comparisons to legends like Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer, with the possibility of joining them as the only Newcastle players to score in their first three home league games. Not bad company for a 21-year-old still settling into English football.
Yet, for all the excitement, Newcastle’s league form has lagged behind their European exploits. With just six points from six games, they sit 15th in the table, making this weekend’s fixture a must-win if they are to climb out of the Premier League’s lower reaches. Injuries continue to bite, with Yoane Wissa and Tino Livramento ruled out and Jacob Ramsey a doubt. But the momentum from midweek is palpable, and the Magpies will be keen to translate that energy into domestic success.
For Anthony Elanga, Sunday’s match carries extra significance. The Swedish winger, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for £55 million this summer, faces his former club for the first time. Despite keeping in touch with old teammates, Elanga is laser-focused on his new side. "I still speak to them every day because they’re still my mates. But when it comes to the game, then I’ll just lock into that and focus on my team," he said. "Let’s not make this a one-off game. Let’s carry this on in the league and in the cups and in the Champions League again."
While Newcastle are starting to click, Nottingham Forest are mired in early-season chaos. Ange Postecoglou, appointed just over three weeks ago, is already under intense scrutiny. Forest have failed to win any of their first six matches under his watch, a club record that has not been matched in a century. The mood soured further after Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League defeat to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground, where home fans voiced their frustration with chants of "You’re getting sacked in the morning."
Postecoglou, who built his reputation on high-pressing, possession-based football, has found it tough to impose his style on a squad previously drilled for counter-attacking under Nuno Espirito Santo. The Australian, who won five trophies in two seasons at Celtic, knows patience is in short supply. "The fans are disappointed. I heard their opinion," he admitted. "I would prefer if people were optimistic in their outlook of what I'm doing. I can only change that by winning games of football."
The pressure is mounting not just from the stands but from the boardroom as well. Owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly growing restless, having invested around £200 million on summer signings in hopes of a European push. While Marinakis prefers stability, he’s shown a ruthless streak before and won’t hesitate to act if results don’t improve. Postecoglou, for his part, is trying to keep the focus on the football. "It's a valid assumption in modern football that there is always a manager that is under pressure. That's just part and parcel of what we do, but I don't think that way," he said. "My responsibility lies in making sure this football club progresses and gets to a position where it can challenge for things."
Forest’s struggles have been compounded by a disrupted schedule and a mounting injury list. Key defender Ola Aina is sidelined, while Murillo has barely featured due to fitness issues. The team has not kept a clean sheet since April 1, and the switch to a possession-based approach has yielded only flashes of promise. The 3-2 defeat to Midtjylland, marred by controversial refereeing, did little to lift spirits, and another poor result at Newcastle could spell the end for Postecoglou’s brief reign.
Historically, Forest’s trips to Tyneside have been grim affairs. They’ve lost eight of their last nine visits, conceding 24 goals in the process. Postecoglou himself has painful memories of St. James’ Park, having suffered two defeats with Spurs, including a 4-0 drubbing in April 2024. On paper, the odds are stacked against Forest, but football has a funny way of springing surprises when least expected.
As both teams prepare for Sunday’s early kickoff, the narrative is set: Newcastle, buoyed by continental success and a revitalized attack, are looking to finally ignite their Premier League campaign. Nottingham Forest, desperate for a spark of their own, are fighting not just for points but for their manager’s future. With so much on the line, expect a fiercely contested battle at St. James’ Park—one that could shape the fortunes of both clubs for weeks to come.
With the match still to be played, the spotlight remains firmly on the managers, the new signings, and the ever-passionate supporters. Will Newcastle’s resurgence continue, or can Forest turn the tide and save their season? Sunday’s showdown promises drama, tension, and, perhaps, a turning point for both sides.
