Charlie Grace

Sun 5 October 2025 14:30, UK

Newcastle United looked to build on their 4-0 Champions League win as they welcomed Nottingham Forest to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle blew Union Saint-Gilloise away with their resounding 4-0 victory in midweek, and the Magpies will be looking to repeat that feat at home in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest’s dismal defeat against Midtjylland has Ange Postecoglou’s side entering the action against Newcastle in very different form.

Postecoglou could be sacked by Nottingham Forest if they lose away at Newcastle, and anything besides a win could see them spend the international break in the bottom three.

Why Lewis Hall was absent vs Nottingham Forest

Newcastle fans were surprised to see the omission of Lewis Hall from Eddie Howe’s starting eleven after the news of Tino Livramento’s injury during the week.

Livramento was injured against Arsenal, and Hall stepped in to replace the English international off the bench away in Belgium, yet was missing from the matchday squad against Forest.

Newcastle insider Craig Hope revealed the reason for Hall’s omission from the squad, writing on X: “Lewis Hall has a hamstring injury & will be sent for a scan.”

Hall has had an injury-ravaged time at Newcastle, struggling to make a long string of appearances on Tyneside in the last year.

Newcastle United’s summer business gives Eddie Howe strength in depth

Newcastle faced a tough transfer window with numerous targets reportedly turning down the North East club early in the window.

However, late on a flurry of business bolstered Howe’s options ahead of their Champions League campaign kicking off.

The addition of Malick Thiaw to the backline has allowed Howe to be more fluid with his defensive formations, shifting Dan Burn to left back in Livramento’s absence.

Howe will hope the two fullbacks aren’t sidelined for a long period, but the upcoming international break will give Newcastle some needed respite from negative injury news.