Newcastle United vs Brentford
Keith Andrews’ Brentford visit Newcastle on Saturday, flying high in seventh place in the top-flight, and four places and three points above Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United in a congested race for European places.
The Bees, alongside Sunderland, have been the surprise packages of the Premier League this term. Both were predicted to be in the relegation fight by this SBOTOP writer, along with pretty much everybody else. But as we speak, both Brentford and Sunderland are in the top half of the table, and that’s what makes things so tricky for the likes of Newcastle.
A comfortable victory would probably see the Magpies jump over the Bees, such is the competitive nature of the top half, and that’s what makes this game a compelling prospect.
Talking Points
Battle-weary Newcastle need a lift
Eddie Howe and his team have had little time to rest in recent weeks, as they have been fighting on four fronts, going well in the Champions League, through to the FA Cup fourth round, and in the EFL Cup semis. But Newcastle’s league form has suffered, as they have dropped to 11th.
It’s hard not to have some sympathy for the Magpies, who have endured a brutal run of fixtures. They lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and face a mountain to climb at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Newcastle laboured to a goalless draw away to bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers. And after impressing to beat PSV Eindhoven 3-0 in the Champions League, they lost at home to Aston Villa in the league. After fighting hard again to draw 1-1 away to PSG, the Magpies’ trip to Anfield turned out to be another nightmare, as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat. As well as facing Manchester City again this week, Newcastle have been drawn away to Aston Villa in the FA Cup, so times couldn’t be much harder for Howe and his men.
So, a home match against Brentford might be just what the Magpies need to cheer their spirits, though it certainly won’t be a walk in the park.
Newcastle had a quiet January transfer window, though, according to the Premier League 2026 news, there was interest from Arsenal in midfield ace Sandro Tonali. But Howe insists his Italian star, who works so well alongside Bruno Guimaraes, will not be distracted as he tries to get his team back to winning ways.
Stop the service to Thiago to blunt Brentford
Andrews’ Brentford have shown time and time again that they are no pushovers, pulling off surprise results week after week. So, it should no longer be a surprise when the Bees sting.
Dango Ouattara scored the winner in Brentford’s visit to Aston Villa last week to bounce back from two defeats, but fellow striker Igor Thiago has been a sensation this season, scoring 16 goals and trailing only Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
Brentford have a fairly simple philosophy. They defend in numbers, and when they turn over possession, they get the ball forward quickly, with Thiago the main target. The Bees also use a long throw to cause chaos in the opposition defence. So, while Newcastle will have to be patient in attack, they also need to be vigilant, stopping the supply to Thiago while avoiding conceding unnecessary throw ins in their own half. That is easier said than done of course.
History
Since the Bees joined the Premier League elite, the Magpies have dominated the head-to-heads, with nine victories to three, and there has been one draw. At St. James’ Park, the Geordies have been even more dominant with five wins and one defeat in the last six meetings.
Howe’s men are looking for revenge for a 3-1 defeat in Brentford in November, while the last time the two teams met up in the North East, Newcastle won by the odd goal in three. And the pre-match Premier League 2026 betting odds say we could be heading for a repeat.
But with three defeats, two draws, and just one win from the last six games, the Magpies have really been labouring since the turn of the New Year, while the Bees have been buzzing everywhere, with four wins and two losses in all competitions.
Betting Tip
Brentford are at odds of 3.50 to win this clash, and the draw is priced at 3.75, with the Double Chance: Brentford or Draw available at 1.85.
But I’m backing the passionate St. James’ Park crowd to roar their local heroes on to a much-needed victory. And for a repeat of last season’s 2-1 win to Newcastle, the price is 8.25.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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