Eddie Howe has an Anthony Gordon injury to ponder as he weighs up the Newcastle United starting XI to face Brentford on Sunday.
His side bounced back in midweek in the Champions League, with Newcastle United easily beating Athletic Club 2-0. It was a comfortable victory, but far from a vintage Toon performance.
Up next is Brentford away, which is arguably an even bigger game for the Magpies. Gary Neville has predicted a Newcastle draw, but that result is not good enough for a club that is yet to win away from home in the Premier League.
As Eddie Howe attempts to fix his team’s problems on the road, this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Brentford.
Newcastle United FC v Athletic Club - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Lewis Hall on the bench again after Champions League cameo
One of the biggest positives to come out of Wednesday night’s Champions League win was the return of Lewis Hall.
The 21-year-old replaced Dan Burn in the second half and was outstanding, with fans delighted to see Hall back in action.
There will now be a clamour for him to start, but that is not expected to happen against Brentford. Howe is likely going to manage Hall’s minutes after his hamstring problem, resulting in Burn continuing at left-back.
The rest of the backline will be unchanged, with Tino Livramento due back after the international break.
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Eddie Howe freshens up his midfield against Brentford
Howe will want to tweak his side slightly and freshen it up, and that change could come in midfield.
While Bruno Guimaraes feels primed for a rest following his illness, Geordie Boot Boys have backed Joelinton to drop out of the starting XI.
He is replaced by Jacob Ramsey, who is yet to fully show Toon fans what he is capable of after his £43million arrival.
Anthony Gordon injured
Amid a desperately poor first half performance, Anthony Gordon was withdrawn against Athletic Club due to a hip problem. He appeared to be in a lot of pain and it was massively hindering his performance.
Jacob Murphy took his place in the Champions League, and that should happen again in the Premier League.
While he will not want to see his teammate injured, that will be music to the ears of Harvey Barnes, who will get to play in his preferred position of left wing.
He has history with Brentford, having scored for Newcastle United in both of his appearances at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Predicted XI vs Brentford: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes.