Brentford (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

Olly Hawkins

After Wednesday’s demolition job at West Ham, we face another away-day in London with a trip to Brentford.

We’ve won four on the spin and showed a ruthless streak in the final third in midweek, tearing apart a Hammers defence that couldn’t cope with our pace, pressing and direct play in attack.

However, we may need to be even better if we’re to see off Thomas Frank’s side on Saturday, Believe it or not, Brentford have lost just ONCE at home in the Premier League this season. They’re unbeaten at the GTECH in their last 10 and haven’t lost on home turf since top of the table Arsenal turned them over way back in September.

That said, we come into this full of confidence and hugely motivated in our search for Champions League football, knowing a win could boost our hopes even further on a weekend where Spurs (5th) face Brighton (6th) and Liverpool (7th) host Arsenal.

Speaking to the press ahead of the game, here’s what Howe had to say:

“Three away games is quite unique and it’s a different thing but it doesn’t really change how we prepare for each one. 

“We felt if we could get the first goal (against West Ham), it could help us naturally with the crowd and the difficult situation West Ham are in.

“Brentford are in a totally different position, the feel of the stadium will be different and the reaction to the crowd. We have to be prepared, their style of play is very strong so it’s a unique test.”

Team news

There’s nothing new to report on the injury front, but it remains to be seen if Alexander Isak and Joe Willock will return after Callum Wilson and Joelinton both scored braces on their return to the side on Wednesday.

Miguel Almiron (thigh) and Emil Krafth (ACL) remain out, while Bees striker Ivan Toney will be available after avoiding suspension (he’s currently on nine yellow cards) in Brentford’s last two games.

Vitaly Janelt could be back from injury in midfield, but former Toon target Kristoffer Ajer has been ruled out with a calf problem.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.

It would be tough on Wilson, however I just can’t see Isak being benched two games running. He’s transformed that dynamic of our attacks and scored again on Wednesday in an ice-cool cameo, so I’d expect him to replace our No 9.

He’s been outstanding in our last two games, but I’m not sure we’ll see Saint-Maximin start three games in six days; especially when he was forced off at Forest with a tight hamstring not so long ago.

A huge effort will be needed against a big and physical Brentford side, so I can see Joelinton starting down the left and Willock coming back in on the left side of our midfield three.

Gordon could come in for Murphy if the latter is fatigued from two starts in four days, but I don’t think the boss will make that many changes in attack after such a convincing win just 48 hours ago.

Elsewhere, I don’t see any other changes. Burn struggled to cope with Bowen in midweek, but his height to defend set pieces could be key, with Howe recently revealing his reluctance to rotate at the back.

Prediction

This will be a tough game. Toney is a real handful, they’re dangerous in transition – especially at home – have a competitive midfield and a defence that give little away at home. We’ll need to defend better from set pieces and work harder to create openings, but I still think we’ll have enough to edge them out.

Willock to score in another massive away win for Eddie Howe’s Mags!

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Newcastle

HWTL!

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

View all posts by Olly Hawkins →

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43 thoughts on “Brentford (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction”

  3. Brentford are a good side, will be a tough game. Hope we win but would not be surprised with a draw or loss as it’s a lot of games close together and fatigue will likely come into it.

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  5. these three away games, I thought before they started we’d do well to get 6 or seven points. Even five would be enough provided we beat Spurs on the 23rd.

    After that I think we have the easier run in than ManU

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  6. Tough month indeed and so far so good.
    I’m going to take the view that the performances suggests nufc will be viewed with trepidation by other teams.

    We recognise they’re tough but I bet they don’t want to be playing nufc right now.

    I think the team suggestions above are where my head is.

    Wilson, in for the easiest game on paper in April, to be rotated to the bench for isak to start and willock /joelinton/ burn trio down the left to stabilise that flank.
    Then we have Gordon/ st maximan / anderson/ Wilson as finishers (not subs) .. anyone noticed Howe’s little mind-shift for rotating players .. to impact / manage the game depending on how it’s going

    In a willock growl “ c’mon you maggies “

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  8. So Isak starts this one, with Willock and Joelinton. Wilson on the bench! Maxi is not even on the bench!

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  9. Maxi with a knock again. One good game – the lad just can’t stay fit. Thought we might have seen Gordon for Murphy.

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  10. I hate 3pm kick off games. No TV coverage in UK, but the the whole world apart from us can see it. 😡😡😡😡

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  11. georgio: Maxi with a knock again. One good game – the lad just can’t stay fit. Thought we might have seen Gordon for Murphy.

    Hammy again, worrying

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  13. No streams. Site I used to use has got super greedy. Have to pay for a year subscription now instead of 24 hours.

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  14. I need to find out how to get one of these tv boxes… my BT sports package is now £100 a year and I still don’t get to see every game.

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  19. Thought today was going to be a tough one – Brentford away is never easy.

    They’ve been the better team to be fair – but that penalty decision is just outrageous.

    For fake Bruno’s head kick not to be even looked at last week, then for this one to be given – no actually OVERRULED coz the ref didn’t give it did he?!.

    I’m fed up with it now. They are ruining the game. It was meant to be brought in to make things better.

    Why is it that when a ref goes to the screen they never stick to their original decision either?!?!!!.

    I’d have taken 1-1 before kick off. I hope that nonsense isn’t what decides today 😡😡😡

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  30. Isak and Wilson combining so well here

    Wilsonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngetinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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  40. Yesssssss that was a tough, tough game against the criminal officials too. Get in!

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  41. Well cards on the table, I thought the changes at half time when they came out was Howe gone mad.

    I couldn’t figure out what the set up was or who was playing where – turns out neither could Brentford.

    Master stroke from Howe & we were like a different team – just brilliant!!.

    Shows what can be done when he has options off the bench.

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  42. Gilly – I’m out in Lanzarote in a cheeky little sports bar streaming the game.

    Full of p!ssed up Mancs having watched their team beat Everton.

    Oh they loved the first half. Funny though they didn’t seem to be there at full time 😂 see ya 👋🏻

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  43. I’m all down with footy banter on holiday, but I was close to slapping one of them.

    Making his mouth go to my 14 year old son who ironically hates football.

    To be fair, his mates shifted him but only once one of the older ones realised I was getting annoyed.

    Had a good bit craic with the rest of them once he disappeared.

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