Newcastle vs Nottingham prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2022-08-05 14:00.
Despite a fairly quiet summer in the transfer market so far, fans of Newcastle United will feel an unprecedented level of optimism when they raise the curtain on their 2022/23 season at St James’ Park. Having predictably gravitated away from a relegation scrap following vigorous January investment, the Magpies will hope to capitalise on a brilliant run of home league from – losing just once in their previous ten (W7, D2) – if they are to flirt with ambitions of a top-half finish this campaign.
Eddie Howe’s men will have to overcome a dismal opening-day Premier League (PL) record to continue that fine home run, after winning just two of their previous 11 matches to kick off the new season (D2, L7). Newcastle will take confidence in having the third best PL record last season after conceding the first goal at home though – their impressive average of 1.17 points gained when conceding first was only bettered by Liverpool and Everton – so Toon fans shouldn’t get too despondent if they concede early.
Their visitors on Saturday are PL old-timers and twice European Cup winners Nottingham Forest, after they sealed a memorable return to the top-flight for the first time since 1999 by winning the playoff final. Steve Cooper’s side put together an imposing away run that helped intensify their promotion push, losing only twice in their final 11 games outside Nottingham (W6, D3).
Having bolstered their ranks with an eye-catching 12 new additions over summer, the Tricky Trees will look to add to an excellent opening-day PL record – winning four of their five previous fixtures – in their quest to secure a first league victory at St James’ Park since 1988.
Players to watch: All of Allan Saint-Maximin’s five league goals came at home last campaign, with the Magpies unbeaten in every fixture when the Frenchman netted. Meanwhile, summer signing Jesse Lingard will look to get his Forest account up and running – he scored a penalty on his last visit to St James’ Park for West Ham back in April 2021.
Hot stat: There have been under 2.5 goals in seven of Newcastle’s previous ten league games at St James’ Park.