Rafa Benitez
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Big Match Breakdown: Nottingham Forest v Newcastle

| 29.08.2018
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Preview, odds and tips ahead of the EFL Cup clash

The Carabao Cup second round continues tonight with a fascinating encounter between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Forest have started the season a little stodgily, winning just once in five games. Newcastle have also not gotten off to the best of starts, winning one and losing two.

A cup run would be nice for both clubs. And you can catch the action live on Sky Sports Main Event from 7:45pm. The Coral News Team go in-depth with a Big Match Breakdown for the clash.

Head-To-Head

This particular fixture has a storied history dating all the way back to 1898. Forest have won 33 games overall, with 51 victories going to Newcastle, and 27 draws.

However, interestingly, the clubs have met in this competition twice in recent seasons. Back in 2011, Newcastle prevailed 4-3 at the City Ground.

And in last year’s cup, Forest got their own back with a 3-2 extra-time win at St James’ Park.

Likely XIs

Capture 3

Changes are expected by both sides as the games come thick and fast. However, a win will be sought by the two clubs.

Rafa Benitez looks like he could be without Jonjo Shelvey, while Jamaal Lascelles has reportedly been dropped after a training ground row. But Isaac Hayden and Kenedy are available and shout start.

Aitor Karanka will not be able to call upon Sam Byram or Adlene Guedioura. But Diogo Goncalves could come back into the starting XI.

Key Battles

Neither Karanka nor Benitez tend to play overly flashy football. The Spanish colleagues employ relatively rigid, clever tactics.

Karanka should set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, remaining solid but presenting a reasonable threat offensively. However, Benitez will look to attack their flanks with key wide men in Christian Atsu and Kenedy.

If Mohamed Diame and Ki Sung-yueng can recycle the ball out quickly to those two, and the full-backs overlap, Forest could be in for a long night.

Match Odds

Despite home advantage, Forest are 11/5 underdogs. Newcastle are 13/10, with the Draw available at 12/5.

Although the last two cup meetings between the pair were goal-laden, this has the feeling of a tighter affair. Neither side has momentum with just one win between the clubs so far this term.

The Draw seems the best play over the 90 minutes. The 1-1 Correct Score is available at 11/2. In the goalscorer markets, Ayoze Perez is an 11/5 Anytime shot for the Magpies.

For Forest, Murphy has notched two goals so far this season. The ex-Republic of Ireland striker is 21/10 to hit the back of the net Anytime.

Click here for more Carabao Cup odds 

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – Coral has it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

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Author

Cian Carroll