Newcastle United will host Premier League rivals Brentford at St James Park on Saturday evening.
Eddie Howe’s side slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table following last weekend’s 4-1 defeat at Liverpool as former Magpies transfer target Hugo Ekitike led the way with a brace for the Reds. There was further disappointment for Newcastle when their Carabao Cup defence came to an end at Manchester City in midweek as Howe’s men suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
In truth, much of the damage was done in the first leg at St James Park last month as Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, two players linked with moves to Tyneside in the recent past, both found the net to put Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in control of the tie. Omar Marmoush scored twice and Tijjani Reijnders took City out of sight within the opening 35 minutes of the second leg on Wednesday and a second-half strike from Anthony Elanga proved to be the only positive for the Magpies.
A tough week comes to a close on Saturday when Brentford look to claim a first win at St James Park since the mid-1930s and boost their unexpected bid for European football. Keith Andrews has impressed in the dugout since he was named as Thomas Frank’s successor last summer and has guided the Bees into the top seven of the table ahead of their trip to Tyneside. Newcastle are currently favourites to come out on top - but two former Premier League winners have disagreed as they have delivered their own predictions for the game.
What has Paul Merson said about Newcastle United vs Brentford?
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Paul Merson. | Getty Images.
Writing for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal forward said: “Newcastle went out of the cup, but they went out in a blaze of glory. They had big chances against City. It's just that they couldn't convert them. Brentford are coming off the back of an impressive win away from home to Villa. I remember them going to Chelsea and dominating the game even though they lost. It wasn't long ago they ripped Everton to shreds either. I like them, they're a good team.
“If Brentford win, they will get to 39 points. A lot of people would have put them down as relegation candidates at the start of the season. Keith Andrews and his team have done an incredible job. They are safe and have been brilliant to watch. Newcastle should play Nick Woltemade up front in this game. Brentford have height in set-pieces and Newcastle need Woltemade. Very rarely do I go against Newcastle at home, but Brentford are playing some good football and I expect them to get a point. Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Brentford”
What has Chris Sutton said about Newcastle United v Brentford?
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Chris Sutton. | Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, the former Blackburn Rovers striker said: “You just wonder how much Newcastle have got left in the tank after their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday. The Magpies have a few injuries to contend with too, with Anthony Gordon the latest player to be sidelined, so they will have to dig deep and hope Bruno Guimaraes is back fit in time for this game.
“Brentford got one heck of a win last time out at Villa, and their manager Keith Andrews deserves a lot of credit for getting that result despite being down to 10 men for the entire second half. The Bees are always so well organised at the back, and how Eddie Howe's side try to break them down will be the key to this one. As good as Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade is with his back to goal, he doesn't run in behind.
“Doing that, and attacking with pace, is how Eddie Howe's side look the most dangerous - Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga will have to do that here, and I fancy Yoane Wissa to score against his former club. Sutton's prediction: 3-1”
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