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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Davies

Awoniyi, Cook, Niakhate - Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest predicted XI

Nottingham Forest are back at long last as they head to Newcastle United for their first Premier League game since 1999.

Reds fans will be partying at St James' Park regardless of the result, but can still go north with a strong degree of optimism after being the most prolific movers in the transfer market after making 12 signings with more to come.

Here we look at the team head coach Steve Cooper is most likely to pick based on fitness and pre-season indicators. Dean Henderson is nailed on to start in goal after a strong pre-season following his loan move from Manchester United. There is less certainty in the back three as Forest line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

READ MORE: Nottingham Forest transfer news LIVE: Inter Milan striker linked, Steven Gerrard decision

READ MORE: Former Nottingham Forest defender finds new club after City Ground exit

Summer signing Moussa Niakhate has not come to sit on the bench, but he might have to initially as Cooper opts for experience and some sort of continuity given so many new signings have come in.

Steve Cook is the most vulnerable to being left out but he could keep Niakhate out in at least the first game having played in the Premier League with Bournemouth and being such a fine performer in the Championship last season. Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna will complete the defence.

Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo will be the wing backs with Lewis O'Brien another cog in a new look midfield. Who lines up with him in the centre of the is less certain but Jack Colback is the most likely bet against his old club. Ryan Yates will miss miss the game through injury while Orel Mangala has only one week of training with his new teammates.

In front of them, Brennan Johnson and Jesse Lingard will surely both start with Sam Surridge hoping to get the nod over Taiwo Awoniyi. The Nigerian might be their record signing, but he was only on the bench against Valencia in the final pre-season friendly as he adapts to a new league.

In the end though Awoniyi will probably get start alongside Johnson after an encouraging assist against Valencia.

Predicted XI: Henderson; Worrall (c), Cook, McKenna; Williams, O'Brien, Colback, Toffolo; Lingard, Awoiniyi, Johnson

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