Premier League. Team news: Sven starts in festive Forest fixture

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Published
26 Dec 23
Team
Men

Sven Botman will make his first Premier League start since September in the Magpies' Boxing Day clash with Nottingham Forest (kick-off 12:30 GMT)

The defender had struggled with a knee problem after a clean sheet and a goal in the 8-0 win at Sheffield United three months ago, although he played the opening 45 minutes in Newcastle's Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea and came off the bench against Fulham and Luton earlier this month.

And with Jamaal Lascelles ruled out due to the injury which saw him come off at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, Botman replaces the former Forest man in one of two changes to Eddie Howe's starting XI.

The other sees Alexander Isak come in for Callum Wilson. Isak scored twice when United and Forest last met, at the City Ground back in March, and will be looking to add to the nine goals he's already scored this term.

Martin Dúbravka is in goal for the seventh successive game, while Kieran Trippier captains the side in the absence of Lascelles. He'll start at right-back, with Dan Burn on the left and Botman partnering Fabian Schär - who scored a spectacular opener in this fixture on the first day of last term - in central defence.

Lewis Miley continues alongside Bruno Guimarães and Sean Longstaff, whose top-flight debut came on Boxing Day 2018 after his United bow against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup earlier that year, in midfield, although Joelinton is fit enough to take a place on the bench.

Isak is supported in attack by Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almirón while the substitutes are Wilson, Joelinton, Loris Karius, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, Paul Dummett, Lewis Hall, Alex Murphy and Matt Ritchie.

Newcastle United: Martin Dúbravka, Kieran Trippier (c), Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almirón

Substitutes: Loris Karius, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, Paul Dummett, Lewis Hall, Alex Murphy, Joelinton, Matt Ritchie, Callum Wilson

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