Brentford vs Newcastle
Verdict: Newcastle win
Best Odds: 6/5
Looking to widen their buffer in the top-four this weekend, Newcastle will make the trip to west London when they meet Brentford.
Brentford
Starting with the hosts, while Brentford might have put in a rugged display away at Manchester United earlier in the week, Thomas Frank’s side would have been disappointed by their 1-0 loss at Old Trafford. However, although the Bees might have once again gained a string of plaudits from across the Premier League this season, fans around west London are calling on their side to find some recent stability. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Brighton on their return from the international break last weekend, the one-time Brondby boss has seen his side win just a pair of their last eight top-flight appearances – a run that stems back to February 4th. Still dreaming of the chance to book a famous top-half finish in 2023, Saturday’s hosts should be excited by their continued success on home soil. Despite being last seen in west London playing out a 1-1 draw against relegation scrappers Leicester, Frank’s men have suffered just a single Premier League defeat in front of their own supporters this season.
Team News
All missing out at Old Trafford in midweek, Brentford will once again be without the quartet of Frank Onyeka, Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Kristoffer Ajer on Saturday afternoon. Shandon Baptiste could make a full return after serving a one-match suspension.
Already notching 17 Premier League strikes this season, attacking talisman Ivan Toney will spearhead Frank’s attack this weekend. The England international will once again be joined in the final third by strike partner Bryan Mbuemo here.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, laying down what was a stunning marker in east London earlier in the week, Newcastle are riding what has been a famous wave of momentum. Eventually storming their way to a stunning 5-1 romp away at relegation scrappers West Ham, the mood in Eddie Howe’s camp remains at a red-hot high. Marking their return from the international break last weekend with an eye-catching 2-0 victory at home against top-four rivals Manchester United, the ex-Bournemouth boss will be desperate for his side to make another statement in the capital. Heading into the fortnight interval with back-to-back 2-1 wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, Howe’s side have now won each of their last four straight Premier League appearances. Firmly sat in pole position to claim a Champions League spot this season, the Magpies will also be excited by their most recent meeting against Saturday’s hosts. When Newcastle welcomed Brentford to St. James’ Park for their reverse meeting on October 8th, they claimed a stellar 5-1 victory.
Team News
Still dealing with long-term injury issues, Newcastle will once again be without the duo of Miguel Amliron and Emil Krafth here. However, overcoming a knock that he picked up against Manchester United last weekend, ex-Arsenal starlet Joe Willock could be set for a full recall.
Bagging a brace at the London Stadium earlier in the week, England international Callum Wilson should keep his place leading the line on Saturday afternoon.
Key Factors to Consider
When the two sides met for their reverse meeting on October 8th, Newcastle claimed a stellar 5-1 victory at St. James’ Park.
Likewise, Newcastle picked up a 2-0 win when they traveled to Brentford while on Premier League duties last season.
Including a 5-1 win away at West Ham earlier in the week, Howe’s men have won each of their last four Premier League appearances.
Suffering a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford in midweek, Brentford have won just a pair of their last eight top-flight appearances – a run that stems back to February 4th.
However, Saturday’s hosts have suffered just a single Premier League defeat on home soil so far this season.
Conclusion
While Brentford might have continued to impress many across the Premier League this season, the Bees will be more than aware that they face a real challenge on Saturday afternoon. With Newcastle breezing their way to a stellar 5-1 romp away at West Ham earlier in the week, Howe’s high-flying squad have now won each of their last four straight Premier League contests. Sat in pole position to claim a top-four finish this season, Saturday’s guests will also be excited by an eye-catching record against Brentford. Including another 5-1 win when they welcomed the Bees to St. James’ Park on October 2nd, Newcastle also landed a 2-0 victory when they traveled to west London last season. Riding a real wave of momentum on either side of the international break, we are expecting an away win here.
Verdict: Newcastle win
Best Odds: 6/5
