Newcastle United take on Brentford this weekend as Eddie Howe looks for an answer to the away-day woes.
Eddie Howe wanted a solution to Newcastle United’s poor away form last week.
The Magpies served up a dreadful performance in a 3-1 defeat at West Ham United, leaving Howe with work to do once more.
Newcastle beat Athletic Club in the Champions League, but fans want victories in the bread and butter of the Premier League.
Chris Sutton looks on at Anfield while doing punditry for a Champions League game.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Chris Sutton shares concerning Brentford v Newcastle United prediction
Newcastle are back on the road again this weekend, and fans will not tolerate another poor away showing.
Howe’s men cannot just turn up at St James’ Park or in cup competitions, so this weekend’s game is crucial.
Newcastle must take the game to Brentford and attempt to end the wait for an away win, but Chris Sutton has his doubts.
The pundit has told BBC Sport that he is concerned about Newcastle’s attack, especially against Brentford.
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Sutton thinks Brentford will sit back and frustrate Newcastle, doubting that Howe’s side will make a breakthrough.
Sutton is therefore predicting a 0-0 draw, especially after seeing such a dreadful performance at West Ham.
“I didn’t recognise Newcastle when I watched them lose at West Ham last weekend,” said Sutton.
“They were better when they beat Athletic Club at St James’ Park in the Champions League in midweek, but their away form – or lack of it – must be a concern for boss Eddie Howe.
“They are still solid defensively most of the time, but scoring goals seems a particular problem for them when they are on the road. I can see why, from watching that West Ham game, because they just did not work the goalkeeper enough.
“The way Brentford play under Keith Andrews, he is happy to set them up to play on the counter-attack even when they are at home, and I can see Newcastle struggling to break them down too. I know I have gone for a few draws already this week, but this game smells of another one to me,” he added.
Newcastle United looking to continue strong record against Brentford
Newcastle have faced Brentford eight times in the Premier League since their 2021 promotion.
The Magpies boast a strong record in those games, having won six times, drawn once, and lost just one.
Four of those games have taken place at Brentford, and Newcastle have recorded three wins and one defeat.
Goals haven’t been a problem in these games, with the away wins at Brentford coming by 2-0, 2-1 and 4-2 scorelines.
Last season’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium was a tricky one, as Newcastle fell to a 4-2 defeat.
The Magpies cannot afford to suffer a similar fate this weekend, and Howe will look to draw on those previous victories to inspire another win here.