Newcastle United host Nottingham Forest with the hosts eager to bounce back from last weekend’s thrashing at Manchester City.
Eddie Howe’s side were put to the sword at the Etihad as they suffered their third defeat in their last four Premier League games.
While the Magpies have booked their place in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup fifth round, that stuttering league form has seen them slip down to seventh, three points off fourth place.
Newcastle left Manchester last week battered but with no fresh injury concerns with a couple of important names nearing their returns.
Sven Botman’s return to the side at the start of the year lasted just five games, suffering another knee issue in the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.
While it was not the knee that required anterior cruciate ligament surgery last year, it has ruled him out of the last two outings.
Howe suggested last week the Dutchman could be back in his plans this Sunday.
Joelinton meanwhile has missed the last three games with his own knee problem and while this weekend is likely to come too soon for the Brazilian, Howe is confident he will be available for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on 16 March.
Harvey Barnes meanwhile was back in the matchday squad last weekend at City but remained among the subs that afternoon.
Nick Pope meanwhile has spent four of the last five games on the bench since recovering from his knee problem, unable to dislodge Martin Dubravka in goal with his only start coming in the FA Cup win over Birmingham City.
Forest are looking to tighten their grip on a top four spot, sat in third place heading into the weekend just three points behind Arsenal.
Nuno Espirito Santo has a fully fit squad to choose from with Taiwo Awoniyi back in contention ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.
The striker suffered a broken nose in the FA Cup win over Exeter last week, missing the defeat to Fulham with concussion protocols enforced.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also available again, making his return at Craven Cottage after missing three games with a groin issue.
Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno, Tonali, Willock, Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Sels, Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina, Gibbs-White, Danilo, Anderson, Williams, Wood, Elanga
Newcastle vs Forest kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 23 February.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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