Brentford (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction
One year ago, everything changed. The end of the miserable Mike Ashley era and the start of something special at Newcastle United, as ambitious new owners finally arrived at St James' Park.
The dark clouds hanging above our heads had gone, replaced with hope, excitement and a genuine feeling that our sleeping giant of a football club had awoken.
The past 12 months have been special. Celebrating a fresh start, surviving relegation in style against all odds, enjoying every minute of the refreshing Eddie Howe, recruiting brilliantly, uniting as a city and enjoying games again at St James' Park.
On that note, we return to home turf this weekend after ending our winless run with a convincing 4-1 victory over Fulham last Saturday, facing a tough yet beatable Brentford side who came away from this fixture with a 3-3 draw last season.
With Wor Flags set to kick things off with a special display and the players keen to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this term, this has all the makings of another special occasion at St James' Park.
Let's hope we can build on last week's win and consolidate our spot in the top seven, as a win would turn a solid start into a very good one!
Team news
Alexander Isak has been ruled out once again with a "thigh injury", however Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton could return after training all week.
Jonjo Shelvey is edging closer from a long injury layoff - he's due back in training today - but this game will come too soon, with Karl Darlow (ankle) and Emil Krafth (ACL) also ruled out.
For Brentford, captain Pontus Jansson has been ruled out, with Sergi Canos, Christian Norgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter also set to be absent for Thomas Frank.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett – S Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock – Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.
I think Howe could make two changes here, even if there's every chance he sticks with the 11 that won comfortably last weekend.
Starting in midfield, I can see Sean Longstaff keeping his place for three reasons. He did well - and scored - at Fulham, Howe has talked him up this week and him starting in that deeper role allows Bruno to thrive in a slightly more attacking role.
Elsewhere, with Joelinton fit again I think he could replace Murphy down the left. The latter did well at Craven Cottage but he often freezes at St James' Park, not to mention the fact big Joe's height could be beneficial against a physical Brentford side.
It would be great to see Saint-Maximin back from the off, but I get the feeling he'll be used an an impact sub after missing the past six weeks with a hamstring injury.
At left-back, Dan Burn could keep his place - again to deal with Brentford's height - as he was solid at Fulham, however I feel we'd have more balance bringing Matt Targett back into the side.
Predicted Brentford XI: Raya - Hickey, Ajer, Mee, Henry - Janelt, Jensen, Baptiste - Mbuemo, Toney, Damsgaard.
One to watch: Ivan Toney - Fresh from an England call-up, Toney returns to Tyneside with another point to prove. A real handful who can score all sorts of goals, the former NUFC forward is the man we must contain alongside the lively Bryan Mbeumo.
Prediction
After drawing the last two home games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth - two sides who sat back and looked to frustrate - we'll be looking to get back to winning ways on Tyneside; and I think we will.
The convincing victory at Fulham will boost our confidence, with the return of Callum Wilson also coming at the perfect time.
Willock and Wilson to score and Eddie's Mags to take all three points!
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Brentford
Whatever happens, it's been one hell of a year - and it's only going to get better!
