Newcastle United vs Brentford

St James’ Park is the venue as Newcastle United and Brentford lock horns in a handsomely-looking Premier League showdown.

Newcastle United spent the international break in a celebratory mood after a 2-1 victory against Liverpool in the League Cup final saw them end a 70-year title drought in major competitions! There’s no time for celebration anymore, as they bid to secure Champions League qualification for the second time in three years. The Magpies enter this round two points off the pace but have lost three of their last five PL outings (W2), leaving their position increasingly fragile. Eddie Howe’s charges squeezed past West Ham in their most recent league outing (1-0) and will seek back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since January. Brentford’s visit bodes well, considering the Magpies remain unbeaten at St James’ Park in their last six H2Hs (W5, D1). 

On the other hand, Brentford pulled off a stunning 2-1 win against Bournemouth on the cusp of March’s international break to post their third victory in five Premier League fixtures (D1, L1). With mid-table security all but assured, Thomas Frank’s men could still push for a European spot, sitting just six points behind their hosts. That result also marked their fifth consecutive league triumph on hostile turf, making them the only side to achieve this feat in 2024/25. Another victory here would see them become just the second side in Premier League history to secure six consecutive away wins while starting the round outside the top ten.