Newcastle started the Premier League season in awful form, with losses to Man City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
The Magpies have just three points from four matches in the league and look far different than the side from last term.
🇩🇰 Mads in action at the RRPC #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/n5FvovCl1k— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) September 11, 2023
🇩🇰 Mads in action at the RRPC #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/n5FvovCl1k
Newcastle’s once solid defence has conceded seven goals to opponents. It is the same number of goals the Magpies have scored.
On Saturday, Newcastle will host Brentford at St. James Park. Newcastle United won their last three games against Brentford in the league.
However, with Newcastle in poor form to kick off the campaign, they could be in store for another day of dropped points in the Premier League.
With the Champions League group stage kicking off for Newcastle in a few weeks, Eddie Howe is likely feeling the pressure.
Brentford are eighth in the standings after four games. Thomas Frank’s team is unbeaten this season, with one win and three draws. Each of the Bees’ last two games ended in draws.
A 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace was followed by a 2-2 stalemate with Bournemouth.
Three of Brentford’s four games in the league ended with both teams scoring this season. Three of Newcastle’s four games this term saw both teams score goals.
The Magpies’ last home game saw them lose 2-1 to Liverpool, as they conceded twice in the final 10 minutes to lose.
Part of Howe’s issues are player injuries and fitness. Six players are currently on the sidelines with injuries.
Midfielder Joe Willock is ruled out of the game with a calf problem. Defender Emil Krath has a knee injury and will sit out too.
There is hope that full-back Javier Manquillo could return to the side following a groin issue.
Sven Botman is a doubt due to an ankle injury. Elliot Anderson should be fit following a knock. Midfielder Sandro Tonali could be fit after suffering a muscle strain.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope was poor in Newcastle’s opening four matches.
The shot-stopper is under fire and needs to have a good game for Newcastle. Alexandre Isak and Callum Wilson have two goals apiece this season.
Frank will be without Jose Dasilva due to a hamstring injury. Shandon Baptiste has a shoulder injury and will miss the match. Midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard could return from a groin injury for the match.
Bryan Mbeumo leads Brentford in goals with four. Yoanne Wissa has added two for Brentford this term. The duo combined for six of the Bees’ eight goals in their opening four matches.
Saturday’s match should see Newcastle’s poor start to the season continue. Brentford will snatch a 2-2 draw away at St. James’ Park, adding pressure to the shoulders of Howe.