Brentford (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction
After Wednesday's demolition job at West Ham, we face another away-day in London with a trip to Brentford.
We've won four on the spin and showed a ruthless streak in the final third in midweek, tearing apart a Hammers defence that couldn't cope with our pace, pressing and direct play in attack.
However, we may need to be even better if we're to see off Thomas Frank's side on Saturday, Believe it or not, Brentford have lost just ONCE at home in the Premier League this season. They're unbeaten at the GTECH in their last 10 and haven't lost on home turf since top of the table Arsenal turned them over way back in September.
That said, we come into this full of confidence and hugely motivated in our search for Champions League football, knowing a win could boost our hopes even further on a weekend where Spurs (5th) face Brighton (6th) and Liverpool (7th) host Arsenal.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game, here's what Howe had to say:
"Three away games is quite unique and it's a different thing but it doesn't really change how we prepare for each one.
"We felt if we could get the first goal (against West Ham), it could help us naturally with the crowd and the difficult situation West Ham are in.
"Brentford are in a totally different position, the feel of the stadium will be different and the reaction to the crowd. We have to be prepared, their style of play is very strong so it's a unique test."
Team news
There's nothing new to report on the injury front, but it remains to be seen if Alexander Isak and Joe Willock will return after Callum Wilson and Joelinton both scored braces on their return to the side on Wednesday.
Miguel Almiron (thigh) and Emil Krafth (ACL) remain out, while Bees striker Ivan Toney will be available after avoiding suspension (he's currently on nine yellow cards) in Brentford's last two games.
Vitaly Janelt could be back from injury in midfield, but former Toon target Kristoffer Ajer has been ruled out with a calf problem.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.
It would be tough on Wilson, however I just can't see Isak being benched two games running. He's transformed that dynamic of our attacks and scored again on Wednesday in an ice-cool cameo, so I'd expect him to replace our No 9.
He's been outstanding in our last two games, but I'm not sure we'll see Saint-Maximin start three games in six days; especially when he was forced off at Forest with a tight hamstring not so long ago.
A huge effort will be needed against a big and physical Brentford side, so I can see Joelinton starting down the left and Willock coming back in on the left side of our midfield three.
Gordon could come in for Murphy if the latter is fatigued from two starts in four days, but I don't think the boss will make that many changes in attack after such a convincing win just 48 hours ago.
Elsewhere, I don't see any other changes. Burn struggled to cope with Bowen in midweek, but his height to defend set pieces could be key, with Howe recently revealing his reluctance to rotate at the back.
Prediction
This will be a tough game. Toney is a real handful, they're dangerous in transition - especially at home - have a competitive midfield and a defence that give little away at home. We'll need to defend better from set pieces and work harder to create openings, but I still think we'll have enough to edge them out.
Willock to score in another massive away win for Eddie Howe's Mags!
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Newcastle
HWTL!
