Confirmed NUFC team vs Brentford – Howe makes 3 changes as Schar, Willock & Joelinton return

Following a 1-1 draw with Brighton two weeks ago, Newcastle take on Brentford in today’s crucial game at St James' Park - where Eddie Howe will be absent after testing positive for Covid-19.

The team news has arrived ahead of the 3pm kick off, seeing us line up as follows:

STARTING 11: Darlow - Schar, Lascelles, Clark - Murphy, Shelvey, Willock, Ritchie - Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Joelinton.

SUBS: Dubravka, Lewis, Krafth, Manquillo, Hayden, Longstaff, Fraser, Almiron, Gayle.

So, Howe has made three changes from the side that drew at Brighton a fortnight ago, seeing Fabian Schar, Joe Willock and Joelinton come in for Emil Krafth, Isaac Hayden and Miguel Almiron.

He's also gone with a three-man defence, seeing Murphy and Ritchie operate at wing-back. In midfield it's Shelvey and Willock, with Saint-Maximin and Joelinton operating just off Callum Wilson.

Here's how the visitors line up, seeing Ivan Toney start on his return to St James' Park: