Nottingham Forest travel to face Newcastle United this afternoon looking to return to winning ways after their defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s men will face a huge challenge against another side who are fighting it out for a Champions League spot come the end of the season – with just six points separating the two teams in the Premier League.
However, the Reds have previous for defeating the Magpies on home soil, claiming a 3-1 win at St James’ Park on Boxing Day last season in what was Nuno’s second game at the helm.
This afternoon’s game will undoubtedly produce another big test for the club, needing to keep star man Alexander Isak quiet if they are to claim three vital points.
On the other hand, the supporters will be hoping one player can continue his tremendous form and catapult the side to another magnificent performance in the North East.
Chris Wood’s stats for Forest in 2024/25
Striker Chris Wood previously plied his trade for Newcastle, failing to impress under Eddie Howe, leading to his £15m transfer to the City Ground back in the summer of 2023.
He showcased what his former employers were missing in the last meeting at St James’, scoring a hat-trick, which proved to be the start of his superb goalscoring form in the East Midlands.
The 33-year-old ended last season with 14 Premier League goals, taking his performance levels up a notch this campaign, registering 18 goals in his 25 outings – playing a vital role in the Reds’ recent success.
Once again, the New Zealand international will be hoping to add to his tally this afternoon, inflicting yet more pain on the Magpies and bolstering Forest’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
However, if Wood is to find the back of the net once more today, Nuno may need to recall one player to the starting line-up to aid his attempts in the final third.
The player who Nuno needs to unleash alongside Wood
The last outing in West London saw the Reds boss stick with the back three that saw them claim a 7-0 win against Brighton but failed to have the same effect.
As a result, the 51-year-old needs to switch to a back four, allowing for another player in attacking areas, improving their threat on the counter-attack – with his side likely to have less of the ball against the Toon.
Callum Hudson-Odoi hasn’t started a game since the 3-2 triumph against Southampton over a month ago, spending some time on the sidelines with a groin issue.
However, he returned to action last weekend as a second-half substitute, more than deserving of a recall with his skill set aiding Wood in attacking areas this afternoon.
The 24-year-old, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has registered three goals and two assists throughout 2024/25 – often being the go-to man in terms of creativity.
His underlying stats showcase how impressive he’s been with the ball at his feet, having the tools to provide Wood with the ammunition to add to his already impressive goalscoring tally.
|
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stats for Forest in the PL (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games played |
21 |
|
Goals & assists |
5 |
|
Chances created |
34 |
|
Big chances created |
3 |
|
Successful dribbles per 90 |
1.6 |
|
Dribble success |
68% |
|
Pass accuracy |
90% |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
Forest have appeared to be more comfortable when utilising the 4-2-3-1 system this season, with Nuno desperately needing to revert to such a formation if they are to claim another win today.
Morato would likely be the man to make way for Hudson-Odoi, with the former Chelsea talent needing to pick up where he left off before his setback to link up with Wood once again – potentially handing the fanbase another memorable day on Tyneside.
Related
Better than Anderson: Nottingham Forest loan flop is now becoming “elite”
Nottingham Forest may wish they still had him in their squad
