Newcastle United return to Premier League action for the first time since winning the Carabao Cup, with Brentford the visitors to St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
A fortnight of celebrations on Tyneside was capped off by a huge parade across the city on Saturday. Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets and Town Moor to get a glimpse of Eddie Howe and his players with the trophy.
While fans will continue to bask in the glory of seeing their club lift its first domestic trophy in 70 years, the challenge for Howe’s side is to maintain the positive feeling for the remaining 10 games of the campaign.
This season will already go down as a historic one for the Magpies, but they make it even more special by securing Champions League qualification. And as it stands, they’re in with a decent shout, sitting just a point outside the top five with a game in hand.
United will have to overcome some patchy home form, losing three of their last five home games all to similar level opposition - AFC Bournemouth, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion. Brentford fall into that category and pose an obvious threat, having won their last five away matches.
Howe has named an unchanged starting XI for the last two matches, earning a league win at West Ham before beating Liverpool at Wembley. Will the Newcastle boss keep it the same against the Bees, or rotate? Here’s our prediction.
Pope proved his doubters wrong with a big save to deny Curtis Jones at 2-0 in the final.
Pope proved his doubters wrong with a big save to deny Curtis Jones at 2-0 in the final.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope proved his doubters wrong with a big save to deny Curtis Jones at 2-0 in the final. | Getty Images
Trippier's performance against Liverpool is exactly why many supporters regard him as the club's greatest-ever right-back.
Trippier's performance against Liverpool is exactly why many supporters regard him as the club's greatest-ever right-back.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier's performance against Liverpool is exactly why many supporters regard him as the club's greatest-ever right-back. | Getty Images
Schar rediscovered his best form in the final as he edges closer to signing a new contract.
Schar rediscovered his best form in the final as he edges closer to signing a new contract.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar rediscovered his best form in the final as he edges closer to signing a new contract. | AFP via Getty Images
From scoring in a cup final for boyhood club to making his England debut, It's been a dream couple of weeks for the Blyth-born defender.
From scoring in a cup final for boyhood club to making his England debut, It's been a dream couple of weeks for the Blyth-born defender.
4. CB: Dan Burn
From scoring in a cup final for boyhood club to making his England debut, It's been a dream couple of weeks for the Blyth-born defender. | AFP via Getty Images
Getty Images
Newcastle United return to Premier League action for the first time since winning the Carabao Cup, with Brentford the visitors to St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
A fortnight of celebrations on Tyneside was capped off by a huge parade across the city on Saturday. Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets and Town Moor to get a glimpse of Eddie Howe and his players with the trophy.
While fans will continue to bask in the glory of seeing their club lift its first domestic trophy in 70 years, the challenge for Howe’s side is to maintain the positive feeling for the remaining 10 games of the campaign.
Lewis Hall's absence hasn't been as felt - and that is because of Livramento.
Lewis Hall's absence hasn't been as felt - and that is because of Livramento.
5. LB: Tino Livramento
Lewis Hall's absence hasn't been as felt - and that is because of Livramento. | Getty Images
The Italian scored a brace against Brentford when the two clubs met in the Carabao Cup in December.
The Italian scored a brace against Brentford when the two clubs met in the Carabao Cup in December.
6. CM: Sandro Tonali
The Italian scored a brace against Brentford when the two clubs met in the Carabao Cup in December. | Getty Images
Guimaraes said from day one he wanted to write himself into Newcastle's history. He's certainly done that.
Guimaraes said from day one he wanted to write himself into Newcastle's history. He's certainly done that.
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes said from day one he wanted to write himself into Newcastle's history. He's certainly done that. | Getty Images
A midfield powerhouse, Joelinton's performance against Liverpool was one of his best in a Newcastle shirt.
A midfield powerhouse, Joelinton's performance against Liverpool was one of his best in a Newcastle shirt.
8. CM: Joelinton
A midfield powerhouse, Joelinton's performance against Liverpool was one of his best in a Newcastle shirt. | AFP via Getty Images
Getty Images
Newcastle United return to Premier League action for the first time since winning the Carabao Cup, with Brentford the visitors to St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
A fortnight of celebrations on Tyneside was capped off by a huge parade across the city on Saturday. Tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets and Town Moor to get a glimpse of Eddie Howe and his players with the trophy.
While fans will continue to bask in the glory of seeing their club lift its first domestic trophy in 70 years, the challenge for Howe’s side is to maintain the positive feeling for the remaining 10 games of the campaign.
It was in the reverse fixture at the Gtech where Murphy registered two assists. He's started every Premier League game since then.
It was in the reverse fixture at the Gtech where Murphy registered two assists. He's started every Premier League game since then.
9. RW: Jacob Murphy
It was in the reverse fixture at the Gtech where Murphy registered two assists. He's started every Premier League game since then. | Getty Images
With Anthony Gordon back from suspension for the trip to Leicester City, this is another chance for Barnes to show he deserves to keep his place.
With Anthony Gordon back from suspension for the trip to Leicester City, this is another chance for Barnes to show he deserves to keep his place.
10. LW: Harvey Barnes
With Anthony Gordon back from suspension for the trip to Leicester City, this is another chance for Barnes to show he deserves to keep his place. | Getty Images
There aren't many better strikers on the planet right now than Isak. Talk around his future is tiresome but the truth is, not many - if any - clubs can afford him.
There aren't many better strikers on the planet right now than Isak. Talk around his future is tiresome but the truth is, not many - if any - clubs can afford him.
11. ST: Alexander Isak
There aren't many better strikers on the planet right now than Isak. Talk around his future is tiresome but the truth is, not many - if any - clubs can afford him. | Getty Images