Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe
Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe
Thomas Frank has predicted that Newcastle United will provide the 'biggest test' that his Brentford side have faced at home so far this season.
Brentford may have the worst away record in the Premier League this season, but the Bees have claimed more points (19) on their own turf than any other team in the division. Brentford have won six of their seven top-flight fixtures at the Gtech this season, drawing the other, and Frank's team have averaged more than three goals per game on home soil.
Newcastle will go into the match with confidence, following a 3-3 draw against league leaders Liverpool, but the inconsistent Magpies need to build on that impressive showing after previously failing to beat Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brighton, Everton, Fulham and Bournemouth this season. However, Frank has seen signs that Newcastle are getting back to their best.
"Newcastle have looked good this season," the Brentford boss told reporters. "Eddie Howe, his coaching team and the club have done brilliantly in the last three seasons.
"First, they stayed in the league; they got into the Champions League two years ago; and, last year, they were in the Champions League for the first time in a long time. They got the experience of that and still managed to finish seventh - which would have usually got a European place, but unfortunately wasn't.
"This season, I think they are back to the high level that they were at two years ago. I don't think they've been rewarded enough with the points and results.
"They were brilliant at home to Arsenal, they were brilliant last night at home to Liverpool, they were very good away to Chelsea and were unlucky not to get something out of that game. At home to West Ham, they absolutely dominated them. It's an Eddie Howe team that is up to its best so this will be the biggest test that we have faced at home this season."