Ange Postecoglou is under intensifying pressure as his Nottingham Forest side prepares to face Newcastle on Sunday, with the manager still seeking his first victory. The team is in a poor run of form, having failed to win in three league matches (D1, L2) and suffering a defeat in the Europa League in midweek.
Should Forest fail to secure a victory at St. James’ Park, Postecoglou will match an unwelcome club record for the worst start by a permanent manager, which dates back to 1960. The task is made more daunting by the club’s historical struggles on Tyneside, where they have lost on eight of their last nine league visits.
Postecoglou’s selection options are severely limited by an injury crisis, particularly in defence. Key players Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ola Aina, and Murillo are all unavailable, as is midfielder Douglas Luiz. This forces the manager to field a makeshift backline, with Nicolò Savona likely to deputise at full-back. Further forward, striker Chris Wood, who is set to lead the attack, is also struggling for form, having failed to score from nine attempts in his three appearances under the new manager.
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