Newcastle United vs Liverpool was a goal-fest, and Paul Merson is expecting the same against Brentford.
After Newcastle’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool, Eddie Howe and his players must now travel to the capital.
The busy period continues, as Newcastle United face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. While the Magpies have won three in a row at that ground, it will still be a very difficult game. Brentford’s home record is impressive, while Newcastle are three games without a win.
But the Magpies should be more confident after the draw with Liverpool, while it feels likely that Eddie Howe will go with the same Newcastle starting XI from Wednesday.
Newcastle’s work rate and mentality was exceptional against Liverpool, and they must bring the same intensity on Saturday. However, that will be difficult away from home.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring Newcastle's second goal during the Premier League match between New...
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Paul Merson predicts Brentford vs Newcastle
With that in mind, Paul Merson does not think Newcastle United will follow up that performance against Liverpool with a win over Brentford.
Instead, Merson has told Sportskeeda that he thinks Brentford vs Newcastle United will end in a draw.
“Brentford are a completely different team at home,” he said.
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“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 Newcastle 2
Why Newcastle must extend their brilliant record away to Brentford
This will be a very challenging game for Newcastle. Despite the departure of Ivan Toney, Brentford continue to perform at a very high level, with other players stepping up in the absence of the striker.
One of those players is Bryan Mbeumo. He is having a brilliant season, and is a player that Toon officials are well aware of. Mbeumo is Newcastle’s dream signing ahead of January, but the club will hope he does not prove why on Saturday.
History dictates this will be a Newcastle win, as Eddie Howe has a 100% record at the Gtech Community Stadium as Toon boss. In fact, the only game that Howe has not won against Brentford as Newcastle manager was his first ever game for the club, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Ironically, Howe was not even on the touchline that day due to COVID.
Newcastle have won five games in a row against the Bees, and must make it six this weekend. If they do, they are guaranteed to move up the Premier League and above Brentford, who are currently ahead on goal difference.
It is vital that the Magpies start moving up the table if they are serious about qualifying for Europe. While Newcastle are benefitting from a very congested Premier League, there will come a time when the gaps start to widen.
Right now, Newcastle are lucky to only by three points off fifth. Despite their recent struggles, there is still a very real chance that Eddie Howe’s side can surge up the table.
However, that is dependent on Newcastle picking up all three points on Saturday. While Merson thinks it will be a draw, Howe will be going there to win.
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