Hello. Welcome back to Garaboldi Red, a Nottingham Forest podcast brought to you by Nottinghamshire Life. I'm Max Sage, your host. And as Forest play Newcastle tomorrow, a huge game under the likes for both sides at the city ground in front of the TV cameras. It's an eagerly anticipated clash, and it's one that a lot of people are talking about, Newcastle coming to the game after a bit of a poor result for themselves against Luton last weekend and Forest into the game after, well, just getting through to the FA Cup. Remember, we're across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, so leave us a like, share, and review across Garibaldi Red. Join today I'm Andrew from the Everything in Black and White Newcastle podcast. Andrew, good morning. Good to see you. Ready for the game tomorrow?

I am. I was very nervous. If we would have recorded this podcast, say, Monday or Tuesday, you would have heard me saying how I'm probably going to watch it behind the closed door. I don't want to actually watch it because I was very nervous. But given the injury news that I've heard about Forest and the extra minutes in the FA Cup replay, I'm feeling a little bit more confident, I have to admit.

Yeah, probably not something that did Forest any favors, having to go to penalties. But we got through in the end, of course, Forest, without the man you might fear, as we were just talking about, actually, before we started this recording, you called him Messi, Andrew, Chris Wood. He's out for six months with an injury, so there'll be no Chris Wood this weekend. Let's actually touch on quickly, Andrew, that game on Boxing Day. Came as a shock, I think, to Forest fans and to football fans on a whole, not just Chris Wood's performance, in fairness to him, but also the result because it was Forest with a new manager, and we came to Newcastle, and we didn't really expect to get anything, but it was a wonder result that day.

Yeah, it looked like Nuno had done his homework. I know he had only been in for a short period of time, but whatever he'd done in those days that he had on the training pitch, it worked perfectly. And Newcastle had been in a bad run of form and the saving Grace had been their home for him. You know, so James Park is a fortress, but in the last month, six weeks, it's lost its power somewhat. And Forest was probably the start of that. And Forest just exploited everything that Newcastle... Every one of Newcastle's weakness, the gap between the midfield and defense. And if you hit the full box with a bit of pace, then you will get the bet of Newcastle night. And on that day, Dan Burn was embarrassed by a couple of Forest players. Unfortunately, he had a similar fate against Luton last Saturday at St. James's Park. And really, if Forest can replicate what they did on Boxing Day, i. E. Hit Newcastle with a bit of pace, they could be in for a very good evening on Saturday.

Yeah, we could be. But I think it'll be quite an interesting game, actually. Probably why a lot of people will be watching it on the TV as a neutral. In terms of Newcastle season so far, Andrew, you touch on that poor result against Lutin, which I think came as a shock, probably to you guys, given that it was a good result away at Villa just a couple of days before. How do you assess the club at the moment? From just scrolling through social media, I've been seeing a lot of criticism towards Eddie Howe as well recently.

I think Eddie Howe has still got the backing of the majority of fans. And I'm always where we've holding social media up is the card to look at because social media isn't really what's happening, doesn't really replicate what's actually the feeling in the terraces and on the streets. But there is a little bit of criticism from Eddie Howe, and that largely lends itself to the decision with Dan Burn. We saw against Aston Villa, Leon Bailey came off the bench and he faced up against Dan Burn for 10 minutes Villa got one goal. He then had a goal ruled out for offside. And Bailey just made a mockery of Dan Burn until Eddie Howe switched it up, moved Dan Burn in the center, went to five at the back, Levermente came on at left back. And I think with regards to The Luton performance, what really, I don't want to use the word anger, but what really provoked a lot of questions from certain Newcastle United fans was how you can scout Luton, how you can find out what they do and still play Dan Burn at left-back because you knew that their right winger was just going to hit him with pace.

He's one of the fastest players in the Premier League, so you knew what he was going to do. You knew what he's all about, and he did it, and he did it time and time again. He won the penalty, which got Luton. I think it was the third goal. It was a little bit back when that Dan Burn remained, well, started for one, and then remained on the pitch after being embarrassed by their right winger. Eddie Howe said it was all about set pieces, and that's why Dan Burn was in the start at 11. So that's why Eddie Howe has got a little bit of criticism. But with the season overall, look, Newcastle has been hit by injury after injury. I mean, you could not write their bad look with injuries. And they've got another couple to deal with for the Forest game. Alexander Isack missing, Anthony Gordon will be missing. So I mean, Anthony Gordon was playing center forward on Saturday against Luton, and that's how bad it is because he's not a center forward. He's electric out on the flank. So to play him center forward shows you just how much trouble Newcastle are in when it comes to injuries.

And then he's picked up an injury. So thankfully, Callum Wilson is back, but is he fully fit? Would be the other question. Injuries is just the definition of Newcastle's season, really. And it's remarkable that there's still six points, I think, off sixth place. It's remarkable that they're in touch and distance of a European That's what they're doing. They're still not getting to that place still, given what they've had to deal with this season. But no, I mean, Eddie Howe, look, he's done a tremendous job. Everyone knows that the fact the injuries to deal with everyone knows financial fair play means they haven't been able to strengthen in January. So he's well protected from the sack. I know People outside New Castle are questioning whether he's going to still be in a job, et cetera. But look, the owners know what a good manager is. From relegation to the Champions League in less than 18 months. Look, he's not going anywhere. He'll get a fair whack of the job and they'll give him time because he deserves time. And I think he needs to be judged when he has a full squad to play with.

Yeah. I suppose it's a bit similar to Forest given the injury list. I mean, Forest, of course, have players missing from Afcon. Sangari, Ola Anja, and Willy Bolley all got through to the finals of the African Cup of Nations this week with their respective teams. So we'll be without them until the competition is finished. I think a lot of Forest fans are quite pleased in a way that maybe there'll be one player that will win Afcon. It's a nice thing that a Forest player will win it, but obviously missing three key players there without Chris Bud as I touched on earlier. I mean, you mentioned Anthony Gordon there, Andrew, and the with a few other players, Isaac, but then the returns of Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes last week as well. There must be a bit of positivity given those two players.

Oh, there certainly is. And both were impressive against Luton. Harvey Barnes scored, could have had another one. He looked really, really good. But I think in an ideal world, you wouldn't want to start either of them against Nottingham Forest. You don't want to rush them back. They've both had injuries, of which then they've had setbacks and they've been out longer than initially we thought they would do. And I think they're at risk. I mean, any returning player from a long injury early off is at risk of something reoccurring. So I don't think anyhow, if he had the option, he would start either them. I don't think he would maybe use either them until they're fully matched fit. But the hand he's been dealt with, he's going to have to start Callum Wilson on Saturday because he's got nobody else. Harvey Barnes is an interesting one. I think he'll be on the bench because Eddie House still has Miguel Almeron and Jacob Murphy to start ahead of him. And it's just a case of just managing them correctly, because like I said, the last thing you want is Harvey Barnes starting on Saturday and then picking up something after half an hour and getting the criticism.

We've seen down at Palace, why Hodgson is getting absolutely pelted because he's rushed back there, key man, and now he's out for three months, whatever it is. So I think Eddie Howe will want to just manage it correctly. But with Callum Wilson, it's really interesting because I think Forest could come into this game on Saturday with a game plan of stopping New Castle, scoring early on. And a bit like a boxing match, when you've got a big boxer and then you've got a little man who's got a bit more stamina about them and just try to tire them out. And you get to the hour mark. And if New Castle haven't scored, they haven't got a striker on the bench to replace Callum Wilson. So I think it's It's all about keeping New Castle quiet and just trying to take advantage of the fact that anyhow has no options up top to switch it if indeed Callum Wilson can't get on the score sheet or if New Castle aren't winning with, say, 15, 20 minutes left.

You mentioned there a few threats that Forrest will possibly face. But in terms of tactical style and how you think you'll set up and players, how can you expect it going tomorrow and also how Forrest should go around dealing with those threats that will come to the city ground and cause damage, probably?

Well, I mean, the big question is whether Dan Burn starts out on the left. I think he will start Dan Burn, and Eddie Howe can be very loyal to players. If it was me picking the team, I wouldn't be starting Dan Burn, especially if he's up against someone like Alanga who had the better of him on box. I'd be playing Tino Levermend, so that's the big question personnel-wise. It'll be the same set up, I would imagine, four at the back with You midfield three of long staff, Bruno and Miley, your two men out on the flanks, and then your man up top, simply because anyhow hasn't got the options to change. I don't think in an ideal world like you play Lewis Miley. 17 He has a rage. He's exploded onto the stage. But in recent weeks, he's gone back slightly because Newcastle haven't been at the best, and that isn't really good for development. His weaknesses are starting to be noticed, and that's nothing on him. He's going to be a fantastic player, but you don't want the 17-year-old playing week in, week out because there's other ways to bet him into the team.

But Edeo has no option to play him. In terms of how Forrest can best get at Newcastle, look, The midfield is a big issue for Newcastle because Longstaff and Miley are very similar. They haven't really got muscle about them. They can't really protect the back four. Bruno is the man that is sitting deep, but that's not his forte, and he hasn't got the discipline to do that for a full 90 minutes. So you will see him just going forward, which is what he's good at, but it leaves massive gaps. And that's where Forrest can exploit New Castle. It's making sure that they can get the better of the gaps that the midfield three leave because the midfield three will go forward as we saw on Boxing Day. And if Forest can get the ball in their own box and then hit them on the counter, it's easy money, essentially. We saw Luton do it, we saw Ross Barkley have another field day against Newcastle. And that's been their issue throughout the season, really, where the midfield three just aren't very good defensively. Basically, if Forest can do what they did on Boxing Day, I'm a little bit worried.

Yeah. Just a shame we haven't got Chris Wood fieled on his Christmas dinner or pigs and blankets.

You're a turning striker up top. I've been really impressed with him. And I know he's cost a fair whack of money. I think If I'm not mistaken, did he only have maybe one or two prolific seasons? Was it from Germany he was signed?

Yeah, he was from Germany, from Union Berlin.

So it looked like a bit of a gumbel, but he looks a real good player. He looks strong, quick. I wouldn't mind him in a Newcastle share, if I'm being quite honest.

He's been linked to Bafé. He's been linked with many other clubs actually already. I think in the next three or four years, it will continue in terms of transfer of speculation with him because he's done so well at Forest. Like you said, strong, quick. And the first few months when he came to Forest, it was a bit of a gamble. It was a bit of a risk, but it paid off. And we look at him now and he's only just come back from injury. We're trying not to rush him back, but we've had to now Chris Wood's out. I just think the difference that Tywo can make in a Forest shirt is actually probably more than Chris Wood. So there's reasons to be positive, attacking-wise, for Forest. Hudson adore you with a bit confidence recently. He scored a great strike against Bournemouth last week, the same with Alanga. So it's a decent time to probably play you in terms of attacking options. It just worries me in terms of defensively still and Forest making silly mistakes. And also in terms of, Andrew, you touched on there about other teams coming to Newcastle or playing away from home and struggling almost with that counterattacking football, which Forest will probably likely do.

Is that something that's been a struggle for Newcastle this season? You come up against almost the lower sides in the league and they know how to exploit you because you're going to be putting men forward and then straight away, they can launch a counter attack from there.

Yeah, but I think it's largely been of Newcastle's own making, and it's down to the discipline of the midfield three. If you had Joe Linton in the midfield three, he's out probably until next season. It would be a totally different story. Every Newcastle Newcast United fan wanted a number six signed this January, but with financial fair play, it hasn't happened. And Eddie Howe has been quite clear that he doesn't think the number six is a priority, but I don't know if he's just trying to play it clever because he can't help but watch Newcastle United and think they are missing a little anklebiter, a little piranha fish, someone who just doesn't give the opposition any time or space, someone who can just sit and pull the strings from deep. That's what they're missing. And really, as a professional footballer, you should be able to have that discipline. It might not be what you want to do. If you're Bruno, you're best attacking, but you've got to put the team first. And I think that has been an issue where I don't doubt for a moment, one of them has been told you have to sit deeper.

And in recent weeks, Bruno has looked like he sat deeper, but again, it's not what he does, and he doesn't do it that well. And then Tad insult to it is that They're giving the ball away in the center of the park. They're careless with a pass, and that just presents the opposition with a massive opportunity to actually exploit those gaps and hit you on the counter. We saw against Luton, Fabian Sheer, Maroaden through the midfield from a centre-back position, giving the ball away. Ross Barkley then runs 50, 60 yards, unchallenged and ends up scoring. And that's Newcastle's issue. It's all good not having that discipline. If that is the case and you go for it, then you've got to make sure you get your chances in the back of the net. If you don't, you've got to be careful in possession and Newcastle United at the moment are careless in possession. I know they've just got four goals, but they're not overly clinical either. And that just hands the opposition a massive advantage when indeed you are vulnerable from a counter attack.

Yeah, definitely. In terms of Forest players, you might be a bit threatened from. Andrew, you touched on there, Taewo Ohoni, but any others Alanga gets a mention potentially.

Yeah, What a signing he has been. He wouldn't look out of place in a My 90s shirt, would he? He's been absolutely fantastic. If it is him against Dan Burn, there's only one winner because he's just got the beating of him every day. He can go up against him. He's got that quickness about him. So I've been really impressed from what I've seen of him. And Morgan Gibbs white, but is he missing on Saturday?

Possibly. It's a bit all in the air. He basically stayed on the pitch. Actually, to be fair, he took a penalty, and he took a very good penalty for forest in the FA Cup, but there was something wrong. There was a slight injury. Nuno, I think he's press conferences later on this afternoon, actually, as we record this Friday morning. So it'll be interesting what he says about that. I'd like to think that Morgan will be okay, but you just don't know. It seems like it's those extra minutes in the FA Cup that really didn't do Forest any favors at all.

Yeah, I mean, I'd be very happy not to see him play on Saturday because he is the key man and he was linked to New Castle in journey, which was a bit of a bizarre link because everyone knew they had no money, but The story still came out, but he is someone that they've watched and you can see why. He is absolutely brilliant. And when people were asking about more than give us why, I said, well, even if New Castle had the money to sign him and he's going to cost you the best part of 50 million, probably, they're not going to let that key man go. Because how can you replace someone of what he can provide? And I did actually, when he was first signed for Forresting, that is a massive amount of money.

But actually watching a bit closer, he looks worth every penny of it.

He's a brilliant player. So I never like to see players get injured. But if he is indeed missing on Saturday, I welcome a speedy recovery for the weekend after.

I suppose then finally, Andrew, Let's just touch on it's a big night under the lights tomorrow for Forest and Newcastle coming to the city ground. Do you fear Newcastle coming to Forest given it should be a huge atmosphere tomorrow? It's in front of the TV cameras. There's a lot of players, nine players out for you. Do you think that this could go Forest way again?

A little part of me definitely does. But if Morgan Gibbs-White is missing out, I feel a lot more comfortable heading into the game on Saturday evening. I mean, recently we're always fearing what Newcastle night would do away because their record is shocking. But I mean, they are looking for their third, four and on the fourth win on the bounce now away, two FA Cup victories on the road and then the Aston Villa in the Premier League. So things have started to pick up, but just that defensive performance against Luton just gives me nightmares. It could be another high scoring game. You mentioned it there, attacking-wise, Forest has got a bit about them, but defensively, they're all over the shop. And that's exactly how I describe Newcastle. I don't know. I'm torn about how this one's going to go. I think there will be goals in it. I think it'll be a draw. I think it'll be a high score. I agree.

2-2 or something, I was thinking, actually. I think it'll be a very good clash. Yeah, let's see. May the best team win and see you next season. Fingers crossed, Andrew, given that Forest don't get a point of seduction and stay in the league. Thanks for your time today. Really appreciate it.

You're welcome.