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The experts believe Newcastle United will weaponise the Tyneside feel-good factor and record a comfortable Premier League win tonight.
Brentford are unbeaten away from home since a 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park in December - a six-game run. The Magpies brushed Thomas Frank’s side away that day on their way to winning the Carabao Cup earlier this month.
Just days earlier, Newcastle were beaten by the Bees 4-2 in the Premier League. An evenly matched game is expected when both sides resume their top-flight campaigns tonight.
Eddie Howe knows victory could lift his team up to fourth, with Leicester, Crystal Palace and Manchester United up next. The mood around Tyneside is at an all-time high after Newcastle ended 70 years without a domestic trophy.
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However, one former Arsenal star could not resist putting Alexander Isak in the shop window while giving his pre-match predictions. Here is what a summary of how the pundits expect Newcastle to fare against Brentford tonight.
Paul Merson
“For Newcastle, this game comes after an incredible achievement,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “They must switch back on quickly though. It was amazing to win the cup, but they need to get into the top four and return to the Champions League next season!
“This isn’t the time to relax and Brentford are not easy opponents. At first, Brentford were incredible at home and now they are outstanding on the road. So this is far from an easy game for Newcastle.
“I can’t see Newcastle keeping hold of Alexander Isak next season if I’m being honest. I know it sounds unfair but still. I think Arsenal need to sign Isak. If they can get him, Arsenal win the league by 10 points next season! I’m not kidding, I can actually see Arsenal winning the league comfortably if they sign Isak.
“I expect Liverpool to lose some key players this summer and that will severely weaken them. This is the chance for Arsenal to bring in a quality player like Isak and end that Premier League title drought. Big game coming up for Newcastle and I expect them to win here.”
Prediction:Newcastle United 2-0 Brentford
Chris Sutton
“Have Newcastle stopped celebrating yet?” he told the BBC. “They have been on the lash for a long time after winning the Carabao Cup, culminating - for some of their fans anyway - with their trophy parade on Saturday. I am sure the players have sunk a few too.
“It showed how much the club's success means to the city, but now they have to focus on the rest of the season because getting back into the Champions League would be massive for what comes next for Eddie Howe's side, and how they are viewed across Europe.
“There will be a fantastic atmosphere at this game too, but the danger with that is we know Brentford are capable of spoiling anyone's party with their attacking threat. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has tried to address that, by speaking about the need to finish the campaign strongly, and this is a great example of where his side cannot afford to take their eye off the ball.
“I suspect they will come out of the traps very quickly against Brentford, lifted by the crowd, and go a couple of goals up before the weekend starts to take its toll on them and the fans too.”
Mark Lawrenson
“Brentford are not great on the road and spirits will be sky high at Newcastle,” he told Paddy Power. “The Geordie nation will be backing them to the hilt so there should be a good atmosphere under the lights.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brentford
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