Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Chris Wood hat-trick
Follow all the action from St. James' Park
Newcastle United host Nottingham Forest to kick off the Premier League’s Boxing Day action.
Eddie Howe’s side, still struggling with injuries, hope to bounce back from a damaging loss to Luton, while new Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo is targeting a first win in charge after being upset by Bournemouth last time out.
"Luton played well. It was always going to be a difficult game for us, a tough place to come,” said Howe after defeat at Kenilworth Road. We switched off from a corner and ultimately it cost us the game. [There are] no excuses from our side, just on the day we weren't where we needed to be to win the game."
Follow all the updates from the Premier League’s festive schedule, plus team news and all live action from St James’ Park below - plus check out the latest odds and tips for the festive football here.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
The Magpies are enjoying their longest winning streak on home soil in the Premier League since a run of 11 successive victories between September 2002 and January 2003, when they were under the guidance of the late, great Bobby Robson.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
The anticipation among the crowd increases as Newcastle look to counter. Trippier has plenty of space down the right flank and sends in a cross, but Murillo is alert and clears the danger.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
JUST WIDE! Forest threaten and after an initial attempt is blocked, the ball drops for Gibbs-White in the box. The former Wolves midfielder gets a shot away, but drags it wide of the left post.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
The hosts go straight onto the attack and force a corner, which Trippier takes short to Almiron. They look to work the ball into the box, but Forest quickly snuff out the threat and are awarded a free-kick when Elanga is tripped by Gordon.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
Chris Kavanagh is our referee today. He blows his whistle and Newcastle get the match under way kicking towards the Gallowgate end.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
The players are coming out onto the pitch and we are almost ready to go here.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
Despite their recent struggles, Newcastle will be buoyed by their form on home soil. Indeed, the Magpies have won each of their last seven Premier League games at St James' Park.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
As for Forest, new boss Nuno Espirito Santo makes six alterations from the defeat to Bournemouth in his first match at the helm. Three of those are in defence with Aina, Niakhate and Montiel all coming into the starting XI. There are also recalls for Danilo, Sangare and Hudson-Odoi. Williams, Yates, Mangala and Origi drop to the bench, while Willy Boly misses out through suspension and Harry Toffolo is also absent.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest
Eddie Howe makes two changes from Newcastle's defeat at Luton last weekend. Botman makes his first Premier League start since September as he replaces the injured Jamaal Lascelles in the heart of defence, while Isak is preferred to Wilson up front. Having missed the trip to Kenilworth Road with a hamstring problem, Joelinton is back among the Magpies' substitutes.
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