Newcastle United finally picked up their second league win of the season last week as they eased to victory over the ten men of Fulham.
They now face a wholly different challenge today, though, as they welcome another west London opponent in Brentford to St James’ Park.
This marks a game where neither side is in rip-roaring form, with the Bees having just one win from their last six in the Premier League, and the Magpies winning only once in the top flight since the opening day.
Eddie Howe has been dealt some injury boosts and a few big setbacks over the week, which may force him into some changes.
With that in mind, here’s the Newcastle XI that we’re predicting for today’s clash…
We expect to see just the two changes from the side which won 4-1 at Craven Cottage last week.
Nick Pope will continue in goal, hoping to maintain his impressive club form despite his recent England struggles. He will sit behind an unchanged defence, with Dan Burn continuing to deputise at full-back whilst Fabian Schar and Sven Botman thrive as a partnership.
There’s just the one tweak in midfield, as despite a fine performance from Sean Longstaff against the Cottagers, the return of Joelinton will surely see the 24-year-old drop to the bench.
Facing Thomas Frank’s hard-working side – who ran 13.8km more than the Manchester United team they obliterated in August – perhaps the relentlessness of the Brazilian might offer slightly more than Longstaff, who has been known to have some “poor” displays, as journalist Adam Musgrove once claimed.
A second injury boost should see the sensational Allan Saint-Maximin return to the starting line-up, replacing Jacob Murphy from last week. When available, the Frenchman is arguably the first name on the Newcastle team sheet.
On the opposite flank will surely be Miguel Almiron, whose sensational brace lit up Craven Cottage a week ago. He will continue on the right-hand side, hoping to maintain his goalscoring form.
That leaves the centre-forward role, where injuries strike once again in a negative way. Aleksander Isak will remain sidelined but is reportedly closing in on a return.
Callum Wilson impressed last week, and although he managed to score, he was replaced after 60 minutes. Although he will likely start today, whether he can last a full game remains to be seen.