A look at the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Friday, March 17.
Newcastle United's Sven Botman called into Dutch squad after impressing in Premier League
Newcastle United centre-back Sven Botman has been rewarded for his solid form in his first Premier League season with a Holland call-up.
The Toon defender missed out on the World Cup squad last year under Louis Van Gaal but has made the cut under Ronald Koeman.
Botman could get his chance in the Euro 2024 clashes against France and Gibraltar. The former Lille defender has been a key part of Eddie Howe's back four this season and has been involved in 31 matches.
Pundits back Newcastle United win to heighten pressure in Champions League race
A majority of pundits expect Newcastle United to secure back-to-back Premier League wins tonight. Eddie Howe takes his Toon side to the Midlands against relegation candidates Nottingham Forest.
While the fixture may appear a doddle at first glance, the Reds have not lost on home soil since a 3-2 defeat to Fulham in September. In fact, Forest are rock bottom of the top flight’s away table, with their form at the City Ground key to beating the drop.
Newcastle can put themselves in the Champions League driving seat with a win tonight. Doing so would move the Magpies to within a point of Tottenham Hotspur - despite playing a game less.
Revisiting Newcastle United's chaotic Friday night under the lights at Nottingham Forest in 2016
Newcastle United's 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in 2016 was perhaps just as chaotic as the Tricky Trees' transfer activity since they secured their return to the Premier League.
It was a Friday night under the lights on December 2, 2016, and referee Stephen Martin was poised for a very eventful 90 minutes.
The drama commenced when Matt Mills escaped punishment for pulling down Ciaran Clark inside the penalty area on the half-hour mark. Tempers flared moments later when Jonjo Shelvey, who joined Forest from Newcastle in January, was given his early marching orders for an apparent kick out at Henri Lansbury inside the box.
Newcastle United supporters XI for Nottingham Forest as Miguel Almiron backed to start
Newcastle United supporters have urged Eddie Howe to restore Miguel Almiron to the starting XI against Nottingham Forest tonight.
Almiron started on the bench in the previous outing against Wolves, but scored the winning goal 11 minutes from time after replacing Allan Saint-Maximin in the 68th minute. The Paraguayan international scored only his second goal in 14 games across all competitions to extend his tally to 11 this season.
Newcastle fans have been selecting their starting XI and believe that Almiron should start at the expense of Jacob Murphy, in the only change to the side that defeated Wolves 2-1 at St James' Park.
Matt Targett 'pushing' to get back in Newcastle United starting XI after just four starts this term
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he can have no complaints about Matt Targett's application since he returned from a heel injury.
The former Southampton left-back has made just four Premier League starts in his first full season at the club following his arrival initially on loan from Aston Villa last term. Targett started the season in Howe's team but then suffered a dead leg in only the second match with his campaign then hindered by a heel bone injury.
Targett is now facing a fight to get past Dan Burn with the Blyth lad establishing himself as Howe's first-choice in that position this term. Burn had fans singing his name during the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers after a spirited and full-blooded performance.
Steve Cooper refuses to be drawn into talk on Newcastle project and title ambitions
Steve Cooper has his eyes firmly focused on preparing Nottingham Forest for their clash with Newcastle United rather than paying any attention to the Magpies' long-term project. The Toon have been the talk of the Premier League after the Saudi Arabian PIF takeover last season, making them the richest club in world football.
Financial Fair Play has limited the Magpies in terms of their transfer wheeling and dealings, but under Eddie Howe they've transformed from relegation certainties to European contenders. If Newcastle are able to secure a return to European football this season, it would be the second step towards what a new era on Tyneside might look like, after reaching the Carabao Cup Final earlier this year.
Manchester United would come away with the silverware on that occasion, but the board have reiterated their long-term desire to lift silverware. Amanda Staveley said she was confident the club would win the lot.
Nottingham Forest injury-up and predicted XI as Steve Cooper faces a number of absentees
Steve Cooper says it's 'unlikely' that Brennan Johnson will feature for Nottingham Forest when they welcome Newcastle United to the City Ground on Friday night.
Johnson was replaced in the 67th minute of Forest's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend after sustaining a groin injury.
Although Johnson has been named in the latest Wales squad, he has since had a scan, and Cooper admits there is only a 'small chance' he will be available.
Elliot Anderson handed new promise on game-time by Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
Elliot Anderson was told to get ready to come on against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend before the second half got complicated for Newcastle United.
At 1-0 it seemed like the 20-year-old was about to get a chance after the break before a flurry of Wolves changes and an equaliser for the visitors changed the course of the game. Thankfully, Newcastle pushed on to win it through a substitution of their own as Miguel Almiron came off the bench to score at St James' Park.
It has proved to be a difficult season for Anderson in some ways after he was pulled back from joining Luton Town or West Brom on loan in the summer. Back in the summer, Howe pledged to give Anderson his opportunity in the Premier League but his only start came vs Liverpool on the day Nick Pope was sent off, prompting an early withdrawal for the Whitley Bay lad.
READ NEXT
- Why Chris Wood won't be able to haunt Newcastle United on Friday night
- Miguel Almiron wasn't 'dropped' against Wolves as huge selection call explained
- Alexander Isak to miss Newcastle United's trip to Dubai after Sweden call-up
- The points tally Newcastle may need to qualify for Champions League in 2023/24
- Ruud Gullit warns Newcastle United to 'recruit wisely' after difficult spell
