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Paul Merson has highlighted the challenges facing Eddie Howe as Newcastle United gears up for a crucial Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, set against the backdrop of their upcoming Carabao Cup final. The match holds great significance for Newcastle as they contend for a top-four finish amidst a recent dip in form. After booking a spot in the final against Liverpool, Newcastle suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, raising concerns about their current trajectory, which has seen them lose three of their last four league matches. Howe has expressed the need to avoid being overly focused on the cup final, emphasizing that it could jeopardize their Premier League campaign.
“If we’re focusing too much on the final, we could find ourselves in trouble,” Howe stated. “By the time the final arrives, our Premier League season may effectively be over.”
Newcastle’s schedule includes important fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, West Ham United, and Brighton & Hove Albion before they head to Wembley. Merson remarked that it’s understandable for the players’ thoughts to drift towards the cup final, especially with the opportunity to etch their names in club history by securing a trophy.
Forest’s Big Opportunity at Newcastle
This weekend’s match against Newcastle presents a significant opportunity for Nottingham Forest. A win could widen the gap between them and Newcastle by nine points, allowing them to create some distance from their rivals. While the game is critical for Newcastle as they chase a must-win scenario, it is equally important for Nottingham Forest — a match they cannot afford to lose.
If Forest can earn at least a point at St James’ Park, it would bolster their season significantly. Their goal for the remainder of the campaign should be to maximize home victories and secure points against teams near them in the standings, making the clash with Newcastle particularly vital. A draw would be a satisfactory outcome for Forest, helping them maintain a comfortable distance from Newcastle.
Merson Impressed by ‘Resilient’ Forest
Merson expressed his surprise at Nottingham Forest’s performance this season, particularly their resilience following tough losses. He noted that even after heavy defeats to formidable teams like Manchester City and Arsenal, Forest has shown an impressive ability to bounce back quickly.
“In the Premier League, it can be easy for a single loss to snowball into several consecutive defeats,” he explained. “What stands out with Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is their capability to win immediately after a setback, effectively stopping any potential negative momentum.”
‘Looming Carabao Cup Final a Big Problem for Howe’
Howe’s biggest concern heading into their match against Nottingham Forest is the impending Carabao Cup final. Following last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City, concerns are growing that players may start looking ahead to the final rather than concentrating on their league commitments.
With the chance to feature in a cup final at Wembley, the players are acutely aware of the historical significance that a victory could entail for the club. “It’s only natural for players to think about the final,” Merson noted, acknowledging that Newcastle has not enjoyed the thrill of winning a cup competition in quite some time.
If they manage to clinch the trophy, the players would undoubtedly become legends at Newcastle, a reality that could distract them from their league objectives. This scenario poses a potential dilemma for Howe, as maintaining focus on the current Premier League matches becomes increasingly crucial.
Fans can catch the Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest game live on Sky Sports this Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
Source
www.skysports.com