"Strong feeling" - Paul Merson and Chris Sutton release Brentford v Newcastle predictions

by Olly Hawkins · 7 December 2024, 11:11

Premier League pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton are back with their predictions ahead of another busy weekend of action, and they're both expecting a game of goals at the Gtech today.

Newcastle United face Brentford in West London in today's 3pm kick-off, with Eddie Howe's Mags looking to build on that 3-3 draw with Liverpool in midweek.

For the Bees, they've been in incredible form at home this season, boasting the best record in the Premier League so far this term with six wins and a draw in their seven games so far.

Paul Merson's prediction

Speaking to Sportskeeda ahead of the match, Merson is backing Newcastle to come away with a point in a 2-2 draw, having a 'strong feeling' it'll be a goal-fest' and 'one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend.'

“Brentford are a completely different team at home," he said. "Their home record is bordering on unbelievable, but the away record is bordering on atrocious! We saw that against Aston Villa, didn’t we? Brentford were blown away in that 3-1 defeat.

“I thought Newcastle were brilliant in their draw with Liverpool. They caused some serious problems to Liverpool and will take a lot of confidence from that result. I have a strong feeling that this game will be a goal-fest. Brentford will score at home and I also expect Newcastle to have a go at this game.

“This could well be one of the most entertaining matches of the weekend with more than one goal at both ends. I doubt either of these teams can go one better and get three points though.”

Merson’s prediction: Brentford 2-2 Newcastle

Chris Sutton's prediction

Over at the BBC, Sutton has issued an eerily similar prediction to Merson, backing the same 2-2 score line; although he admits it's a 'difficult one to call' given how 'up and down' Newcastle have been so far this season:

"Brentford's home record is incredible, and still the best in the Premier League this season. Newcastle were impressive against Liverpool in midweek but their challenge is to follow up that performance here, because they have been very up and down so far.

"This is a difficult one to call, but I always expect goals from the Bees when they are at home. In contrast, Newcastle have not been scoring consistently this season but they got three against the leaders and I think they will get a couple more here."

Sutton's prediction: Brentford 2-2 Newcastle

Our thoughts

Like some of you reading this article, I play Sky's 'Super 6' every week, predicting the results of six selected Premier League games, and I've also gone for a 2-2 draw here!

Brentford may be top of the Premier League table for home form (P7, W6, D1, L0 and scored 22). However, as impressive as that may be, the teams they've faced so far sit 17th, 20th, 14th, 19th, 18th, 9th and 16th in the table.

On top of that, we've won each of our last three games at the Gtech, ending last season with a 4-2 win down in West London.

It'll be a tough game and it's fair to say we'll be punished if we perform anything like we did at Palace last weekend, but I'm going for a game of goals and point that won't look a bad on if we go on to beat Leicester and Ipswich in our next two.

How do you see today's game panning out? Comment below with your predictions...