Sven Botman, Lewis Miley & Kieran Trippier - Newcastle United selection dilemmas vs Nottingham Forest

There is little room for error for Newcastle United this Sunday when they host third-place Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.

Although there are still 13 games left to play in this tight Premier League campaign, the Magpies know a defeat to Forest could signal an abrupt end to their top-four hopes.

Six points separate the two teams in the table, so the possibility of that increasing to nine, in many ways, is unthinkable. But the opportunity to cut the gap to three points is an exciting one, and if achieved, could give Newcastle a huge lift.

Looking ahead to the game, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the selection dilemmas facing Eddie Howe following last weekend’s 4-0 defeat away to Manchester City.

Martin Dubravka or Nick Pope?

Eddie Howe has always stayed clear of naming his number one goalkeeper. But ask others, and the likely answer is Nick Pope. And with Pope back fit, as he has been for almost a month now, is it time to recall the 10-capped England international?

Martin Dubravka’s return to the team in December coincided with a nine-game winning streak, but United’s form has since dipped slightly, losing three of the last five matches the Slovakian has started.

That, of course, doesn’t just fall on the 36-year-old. In general, he hasn’t done much wrong. But in a period where Newcastle are looking for renewed energy, Pope might be one of the changes.

However, that would undoubtedly irked Dubravka, who was talked into staying on Tyneside last month after receiving an offer from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab.

Tino Livramento or Kieran Trippier?

Kieran Trippier had a nightmare first half against Manchester City, resulting in him being hooked at half-time. But was that down to the position he was playing, rather than his ability?

When United were without the ball at the Etihad Stadium, Trippier tucked in as the third centre-back with Jacob Murphy dropping into right-back. Trippier didn’t look comfortable and was hoping the ground would swallow him up after he tracked the run of Omar Marmoush, only to miss the flight of the ball which allowed the Egyptian to open the scoring.

Tino Livramento was brought on in Trippier’s place at half-time and looked more assured, although Man City, 3-0 up, did evidently take their foot off the gas.

Is it time for Tino again? Or does Trippier deserve another run out? It was only a couple of weeks ago supporters were raving about his performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Arsenal.

Sven Botman recall?

Sven Botman has missed the last two matches with a knee issue but will be close for the Nottingham Forest game. If fit, will he get an immediate recall to the starting XI, and if so, who makes way?

The Dutchman’s availability would give Howe the power to revert back to the system that dominated Arsenal. Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all started in central defence but took turns to press high. That covered for the loss of Joelinton, whose absence left Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in midfield.

Or could Howe decide to make a like-for-like change, simply replacing Schar or Burn with Botman? Schar has looked short of his best in recent months while Burn has been a lot more solid.

Lewis Miley’s time to shine?

If Howe goes with a midfield three against Forest then you suspect Lewis Miley has played his way into contention.

The 18-year-old was introduced at half-time in place of Joe Willock at the Etihad last weekend and was described as a “big positive” by Howe in what ended in a 4-0 defeat.

“He showed not just bravery out of possession in terms of winning duels and covering the pitch, but in terms of taking the ball and showing composure and making the right decisions, which we didn't make enough of,” said Howe.

“He can be very proud of his performance, but some of us need to look at him and he led the way.”

Miley played 30 times during his breakthrough campaign last year, though a back injury and then a broken metatarsal has caused Newcastle to manage his minutes carefully this term.

The Stanley-born midfielder has gradually worked his way back into the first-team picture, starting recent FA Cup wins over Bromley and Birmingham City. Now might feel like the right time to hand Miley his first Premier League start since this time last year.