Newcastle United will look to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they host Brentford at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies trounced Fulham 4-1 away last weekend, with Miguel Almiron scoring a brace, and Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson getting on the scoresheet too. The win at Fulham ended the Eddie Howe-managed side’s long six-game winless run after starting the season on a winning note.
They currently sit seventh on the table and will be in high spirits heading into the game against Brentford, who are in tenth place with 10 points after eight games.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe revealed last weekend that Allan Saint-Maximin has recovered from a thigh strain and returned to training but the game against Fulham was too soon for him. So, there is a chance of Allan Saint-Maximin being involved in the upcoming matchday squad as he has ‘trained well’ according to his manager.
Alexander Isak picked up a muscle injury on international duty and Newcastle will not try to rush him back. Jonjo Shelvey, Emil Krafth and Karl Darlow remain out.
Predicted Newcastle Lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope has been Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival from Burnley in the summer. The England international is a certainty to be in goal on Saturday.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-3-3 system, Fabian Schar is likely to resume his defensive partnership with Sven Botman at centre-back in the Newcastle lineup as they try to keep things tight at the back over the course of the 90 minutes.
Kieran Trippier is a nailed-on starter at right-back in the Newcastle lineup while Dan Burn is likely to be stationed on the other side of the defence as the left-back. Both the full-backs will look to get forward and express themselves in the final third. Matt Targett is an alternative.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes will anchor the Newcastle midfield. He will sit just in front of the back four, break up the opposition’s play and dictate the flow of the game. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff will join Bruno in the engine room in the Newcastle lineup, as the troika focus on making life difficult for Brentford in the middle of the park.
Eddie Howe can bring on Joelinton and Ryan Fraser off the bench in the second half if required.
Attack
The pacey and energetic front trio of Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy is likely to operate as part of Newcastle’s attack. Almiron and Wilson were on the scoresheet against Fulham at Craven Cottage and will look to score again this weekend. They must find a way to get in behind the Brentford backline.
Allan Saint-Maximin could be available for selection but is unlikely to be handed a start.