Predicted Newcastle team to start vs Brentford – Howe to resist two risks & Bruno on the bench?

It’s matchday! After a solid performance at West Ham last week, this is a big chance to leapfrog a Brentford side who’ve been bang out of form.

Win and we’ll be ahead of the Bees, having played two games less, highlighting what a huge relegation six-pointer this promises to be.

So, without further ado, here’s the side we can see Eddie Howe going with in today’s 3pm kick off…

(4-3-3): Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Murphy.

So, we’re backing Saint-Maximin to be named on the bench alongside Javier Manquillo ahead of late fitness tests, meaning Murphy could continue down the left and Krafth retain his place at right-back:

Martin Dubravka – Didn’t have much to do at the London Stadium – which shows how much we’ve improved defensively – but did make a good save to deny Bowen early on. Will need to be strong against a Brentford side who love to throw high balls into the box.

Emil Krafth – With Manquillo likely to be fit enough for the bench at best, the Swede should start again. Gave away a silly free kick for West Ham’s goal, but has done a decent job when called upon by Howe.

Fabian Schar – Has added consistency and composure to his game under Howe. Hopefully that continues here and he resists being dragged into too much of a fight with the physical Ivan Toney.

Dan Burn – A class act once again last weekend, but also showed his no nonsense side that will be needed in this battle at Brentford.

Matt Targett – Has barely put a foot wrong in his first two games for the club. Put plenty balls into the box last time out and linked up nicely with Murphy at times.

Joe Willock – Arrives on the back of his best display of the season and that well deserved goal he’s been waiting for. Hope to see him make more driving runs and carry the goal threat we know he can offer. Guimaraes will have to wait another week for his first start, you’d think!

Jonjo Shelvey – Another disciplined display needed against a tough Brentford midfield. However, if we win that battle, we’ll have to hope he finds his passing range to release the likes of Fraser and Murphy.

 Joelinton – Back to his brilliant best as this big bulldozing midfielder last weekend. The only thing missing is that sprinkle of quality in the final third he often lacks. Could actually be key in stopping Toney, who often drops deep to link up the play.

Ryan Fraser –  Passed fit after limping off at West Ham and it’s just as well. His energy, drive, movement and balls into the box have been key in recent weeks.

Jacob Murphy – Had a mixed afternoon last Saturday. Carried a threat in the first half and linked up nicely with Targett at times, but offered very little in the second and seemed to tire. He has the pace to beat a man and quick feet too, however he needs to step up if ASM is out once again.

Chris Wood – Does the dirty work well and wins so many headers, but we need to see more from the big man. Needs a goal badly – especially when his replacement at Burnley is looking like a much better piece of business at present!