After two wins in their last two games, Nottingham Forest are finally starting to improve after a somewhat poor start to the campaign. 

Recent away victories including a 0-2 win at Ipswich Town and a thumping 2-5 win over Barnsley last weekend means that confidence will be high in the Forest camp as they welcome top of the table Newcastle United to the City Ground on Friday night.

Rafael Benitez's side were shocked at home last weekend when they slipped to a 0-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

After losing on penalties to Hull City in the quarter final of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night as well it means the Magpies are in desperate need of a win when they make the trip to the East Midlands on Friday.

Nottingham Forest will be keen to inflict a third successive loss on Benitez's talented outfit.

Reds boss Philippe Montanier will be confident that his side can secure a third win on the bounce though defeating Newcastle will be a tough task for his side.

So here is the Nottingham Forest team that can defeat Newcastle United on Friday night.

GK- Vladimir Stojkovic

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In the last two games Stojkovic has impressed in between the sticks.

The Serbian international could do little about the two goals conceded last week but generally had little to do all game.

The 33-year-old has organised his defence and commanded his area well in recent weeks and he will need to continue to do this on Friday night.

RWB- Michael Mancienne

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With Eric Lichaj requiring a late test to see if he will be fit, Mancienne is the likely man to play on the right on Friday.

Although it isn't his natural position, the former Chelsea man was superb in last week's win at Barnsley, grabbing an assist as well as looking resolute in defence.

Mancienne will need to be at his best going forward and at the back to deny Newcastle's impressive attack.

RCB- Matt Mills

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The experienced Championship defender has been impressive in Forest's back three.

His physicality and ability in the air is excellent and he will need to show this against the likes of Mitrovic for Newcastle United.

His experience certainly comes through and he is an important player for Forest.

CB- Damien Perquis

Damien PerquisDamien Perquisk

Like Mills, Perquis' experience is vital to the Nottingham Forest side.

His leadership at the heart of the back four has really shown in the last few games and despite a poor opening 20 minutes last week, where the Reds conceded two soft goals, the second half performance was much better by Perquis and his defensive counterparts.

To stop the likes of Gayle and Mitrovic, Perquis is going to have to be in fine form once again.

LCB- Joe Worrall

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Each week the youngster continues to get better and better as he grows in confidence.

Friday night's game will undoubtedly be the toughest test for the 19-year-old but a big performance from him could mean that Forest will come away with all three points.

Strong in the tackle, powerful in the air and very commanding, Worrall is an important player for the Reds already.

LWB- Danny Fox

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With Dani Pinillos and Armand Traore likely to miss the clash, Danny Fox will probably resume his role at left wing back for the visit of Newcastle.

Fox put in a steady performance for the Reds in last weekend's win at Barnsley, joining in the attack whilst looking strong in the tackle.

Fox needs a big game on Friday night.

RCM- Henri Lansbury

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Last week's performance proved that on his day Henri Lansbury is comfortably one of the best players in the Championship.

The 26-year-old led by example, netted a superb hat-trick and was at the heart of everything good in last week's win.

If Lansbury continues to play in this manner, he could lead Forest to victory on Friday night.

CM- Thomas Lam

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Lam's last two performances in midfield have been outstanding.

For most of the season, Forest have lacked that player who can shield the back four or five and add some extra security to what was a very shaky defence but the Finland international has provided that.

His performance last week, where he kept Conor Hourihane quiet, one of the best players in the Championship so far, was arguably his best in a red shirt since his arrival in the summer.

This time Lam has the task of keeping Jonjo Shelvey under wraps.

LCM- Pajtim Kasami

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Similarly to Lansbury, with Lam playing a more defensive role, it has allowed Kasami to push forward and get things going for Forest in recent weeks.

After a great start to the season, Kasami's level of performance began to dip considerably but in the last few games the Swiss international has re-discovered some form.

CAM- Ben Osborn

Ben Osborn

Another youngster who simply gets better and better in each game. Osborn is a key player for Forest and has looked even better since making the move into a central role behind the striker.

The one thing lacking in his game is goals but a fine header in last week's win showed he is capable of scoring some important goals for his side.

Another strong showing is needed again by Osborn.

ST- Britt Assombalonga

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Perhaps both Apostolos Vellios and Nicklas Bendtner are unlucky to miss out after both playing well last week, but Assombalonga simply has to start on Friday night.

One of the most, if not the most, clinical striker in the league has scored in every game he has started for the Reds and always provides a huge attacking threat.

When he is on the pitch, Forest score plenty of goals.

 

Nottingham Forest fans... Can this team defeat Newcastle on Friday? Should Assombalonga start? How important is Ben Osborn to your team? Let us know what you think in the comments below!