Brentford welcome Newcastle United to Brentford Community Stadium in a crunch clash in the battle for survival.
Victory will see Brentford stay 14th but move five points clear of their visitors, whereas Newcastle can climb up to 14th themselves with a win if Leeds fail to win in the lunchtime kick-off.
Team News
Mathias Jorgensen could return for Brentford after recovering from a hamstring injury which has kept him out since mid-November.
Mathias Jensen (dead leg), Ivan Toney (calf) and Christian Eriksen (fitness) could also be in contention for selection.
Julien Jeanvier (knee) and Tarique Fosu (hamstring) both remain absent.
Newcastle remain without Allan Saint-Maximin for a second consecutive match as he continues to recover from a calf injury.
Javier Manquillo (ankle) and Ryan Fraser (hamstring) are doubts and won’t be risked unless declared match-fit.
Kieran Trippier (foot), Jamal Lewis (groin), Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie (both knee) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Brentford drew their only previous Premier League clash against Newcastle, as the Bees came from behind to draw 3-3 at St James’ Park in November.
- Newcastle are visiting Brentford Community Stadium for the first time in the Premier League, yet lost 1-0 in a League Cup visit last season at Quarter-Final stage.
- There has been only one draw between Brentford and Newcastle in 13 previous meetings across all competitions.
- Pontus Jansson is the only Brentford player to have made a last man tackle in the Premier League this season.
- Newcastle are yet to score more than once in an away match this season, having scored only once in eight of 12 away league matches.
Prediction
Although they have lost their last eight matches in all competitions, Brentford should be pleased with their small improvements in the last fortnight, especially because they’ve defended well and only lost at Arsenal last weekend after getting caught high up the pitch.
Thomas Frank’s Bees though know that this is now a must-win game so hopefully we will see them refocused with more attacking intent, which is going to be crucial for them to ease themselves back out of trouble quickly.
Newcastle meanwhile are unbeaten in their last six matches but have conceded in four of those games which was evident at West Ham through poor set piece marking, yet their attacking energy is more confident especially in the press which is going to be important here.
I however am concerned about the Magpies’ inability to score more than once in individual matches away from home this season, which is looking their weak point in terms of gathering points so a huge performance against a free-falling Brentford is a must.
Brentford however should have Toney back so this should be an entertaining battle of attack, yet something in my instinct says that the Bees should just have enough if they’re clinical.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Newcastle
Result: Brentford 0-2 Newcastle