Newcastle host Brentford at St James’ Park in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off looking to shake off a poor run of form ahead of their return to European competition.
The Magpies enjoyed a wonderful 2022/23 season which culminated in Champions League qualification but suffered three straight defeats before the international break and have work to do to catch up with teams sitting in the European qualification spots. There is also their Champions League return next week against AC Milan to consider for manager Eddie Howe.
Saturday’s game sees Newcastle take on a talented but beatable Brentford side who are unbeaten after four games, drawing three of them.
Here’s all you need to know about the game at St James’ Park this weekend.
Current form (Premier League)
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
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United Kingdom |
SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, BBC Radio 5 Live |
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United States |
SiriusXM FC, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC |
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Canada |
fuboTV Canada |
Magpies boss Eddie Howe is not blessed with the fittest squad right now with points needed on the board quickly.
Sandro Tonali picked up an injury while on Italy duty with and joins Joe Willock, Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo on the treatment table, although there is a chance he could return to face former team AC Milan on Tuesday.
Sven Botman has been recovering from jarred ligaments which meant he missed the 3-1 defeat at Brighton but Howe revealed in his pre-match press conference the Dutchman has trained in the week and is edging closer to full fitness.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Midfielder Josh Dasilva won’t get the chance to bag a big goal against Newcastle again as he is still recovering from a thigh injury. Shandon Baptiste will also play no part after dislocating his shoulder.
There is a good chance Mikel Damsgaard will be back in the Brentford squad but he is only expected to be on the bench. Manager Thomas Frank is expected to stick with Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa in attack despite loan signing Neal Maupay being available.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-3-3): Flekken; Hickey, Pinnock, Collins, Henry; Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade
Newcastle need to be getting full points here and, given with time off to prepare and plan for the game due to the international break, they should get the job done here.
They may not blow Brentford away, but there is immense talent in this Newcastle team and they won’t to leave anything to chance. Expect a pragmatic performance with one eye on the AC Milan game.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brentford
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