Brentford (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line up and prediction

There's been a number of false dawns so far this season and I'm really hoping our superb display in Wednesday's 3-3 draw against Liverpool isn't the latest one. We have to kick on now.

It's a huge period in our season and that midweek display is something to build on, especially with a cup quarter-final and very winnable games against Leicester (H) and Ipswich (A) following our tricky trip to Brentford on Saturday.

The truth is, we're often full of energy, intensity, commitment and threat when taking on any of the 'big six' at St James' Park, which is a huge hat tip to Eddie Howe but also raises questions as to why we're often a little passive against some of the 'lesser' sides we should be beating.

Our last away game - a 1-1 draw at Palace featuring just one shot all afternoon - was nowhere near good enough and we can't see a repeat of that here, with Brentford's home record the best in the league so far this season.

The Bees have scored 22 goals in their seven home games so far, where they've won six, drawn one and lost none, but we've beaten them in all of our last three trips to West London.

With Chelsea now eight points clear of us and European rivals like Spurs, Man Utd, Aston Villa and Brighton all showing patchy form, the festive period is a big chance to build our own momentum and get ourselves up the league after such a stop-start first third of the 2024/25 season.

Howe’s pre-match comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V91dSDyK3Xo&ab_channel=NewcastleUnited

Howe on potential rotation - “That’s something we’re going to discuss at length today and try and find the right balance between change and consistency of selection.

“There were some tired bodies in the team. Tonali had cramp with 15 minutes to go, Gordon was fatigued at the end of his performance, which was very, very good and naturally when you empty like that and you give so much to the game, there’s gonna be a hit.

"Alex [Isak] also worked extremely hard and he was tired at the end so that our job is to refuel the group and go again in what is another great opportunity for us."

Howe on Brentford test ahead - “Whenever you go away from home the intention that you set in the game and how you start the game is key. The early exchanges give you a lot of clues to how the game is going to go.

Team news

Kieran Trippier is "improving" after missing out on Wednesday through illness, but a decision will be made today as to whether he'll return at Brentford.

Rotation is one to watch at the Gtech as we approach our fourth game in 11 days, with Howe admitting on Friday morning that Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak were all fatigued after such a huge effort against Liverpool.

Sven Botman is still a "few weeks" away from playing competitively, but has "looked good" after resuming full training. Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles remain out, while Tonali, Schar and Joelinton are all a booking away from suspension.

Predicted XI

(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

I'm toying between an unchanged XI - Howe's usual response to a strong performance - or a couple of changes, which the manager has hinted at after such a big physical effort against Liverpool.

With Trippier ill through the week, I think we can rule out any changes at the back, while that midfield three of Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton surely needs a run of games (if possible) after the trio complimented each other so well on Wednesday.

However, if Tonali is suffering from fatigue we could see Longstaff come back in. Equally, if Joelinton is moved to the wing (a common switch away from home of late) then there's space on the left of our midfield three for Willock.

Match prediction

My head said a 1-1 draw at Palace in my prediction last weekend and my heart said a 2-2 draw with Liverpool in my last match preview. Choosing which one to lead with here is tricky, but I think the head rules the heart when it comes to Newcastle away from home.

All eyes may be on reported Toon target Bryan Mbeumo for the Bees, but Yoan Wissa is one to watch also, with the striker scoring seven in five home appearances this season under Thomas Frank.

I can see a few goals in this one - there's been 10 in Brentford's last two home games! - and a score draw, featuring another goal for Alexander Isak and

Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Newcastle

Howay the lads!