Premier League: Brentford and Newcastle Have European Football in Mind

Brentford vs Newcastle United

Brentford and Newcastle have their sights set on playing European football next season. But there are only a limited number of slots here in the Premier League, and it’s likely that only one of them can achieve its main objective.

Newcastle are in a great position because they’re in third place. Eddie Howe’s men are on a three-game winning streak following their most recent victory against Manchester United.

The Bees, on the other hand, are seven points adrift of the Magpies. Brentford are in ninth place in the standings with 43 points, but they can make a huge jump if they win their next two games.

Brentford and Newcastle have little time to rest as they’ll take on Manchester United and West Ham tomorrow, respectively. But whatever happens in those games, this weekend’s matchup is still a must-win contest.

Talking Points

Brentford are all-in for Europe

Brentford have continued to show progress ever since they were promoted to the English top-flight last year. After finishing in 13^th place last season, the Bees are now in contention for European football.

A huge reason why the Bees are in the position they’re in right now is because of the 12-game unbeaten league run that they had stretching back to October.

Since seeing their streak ended by the Toffees last month, the Bees have notched one win and two draws. And they’re confident that they can win against Manchester United, whom they embarrassed at the Gtech Community Stadium earlier this season with a 4-0 tally.

Ivan Toney is Brentford’s top attacking threat because he already has 17 goals and four assists in the Premier League so far this season. He is third in the Golden Boot race behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, which is impressive.

But Toney is not the only one who can create Premier League 2023 highlights for Brentford, as Bryan Mbeumo is a genuine threat in the final third too. Even their centre-backs, Ethan Pinnock and Pontus Jansson, have scored goals recently as well.

There’s more good news for Thomas Frank, as Shandon Baptiste is back after serving his one-match ban. Baptiste’s return will boost Brentford’s midfield, which is already without Vitaly Janelt and Frank Onyeka. 

Newcastle coping well without their talisman

Newcastle have not skipped a beat despite competing without top scorer Miguel Almiron, who has 11 goals and three assists. The Paraguayan is sidelined due to a thigh injury that he suffered during international break.

It’s been three weeks since they received the unfortunate diagnosis on Almiron, but Eddie Howe’s side has found a way to win their matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United. 

Alexander Isak recorded a brace against Nottingham Forest, while Joe Willock and Callum Wilson scored against Manchester United. Jacob Murphy has deputised well for Almiron on the right wing, and he should continue to do so on Saturday.

The Magpies’ defence has been formidable too, as they’ve conceded the fewest Premier League goals so far this season (19). Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman will continue to make up their back four to provide adequate cover for goalkeeper Nick Pope.

History

Brentford have yet to beat Newcastle here in the Premier League in three attempts (D1, L2), including their 5-1 result in their reverse fixture last October.

It was a game that featured four different goal scorers and an own goal. Newcastle benefitted from goals by Bruno Guimaraes (brace), Jacob Murphy, Miguel Almiron, and an own goal by Ethan Pinnock, while Ivan Toney converted a penalty to prevent a clean sheet for the Magpies.

Brentford’s last league victory against Newcastle was a 1-0 result in January 1948. Overall, they are winless in seven league meetings with Newcastle (D1, L6), conceding at least twice in each of these seven matches (22 goals in total).

Newcastle have prevailed in their last three away league games against Brentford, winning in October 1992, January 2017, and February 2022.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League 2023 odds favour the visitors to win this game. Newcastle are priced at 2.14 to win, whereas Brentford are not far behind at 3.05, and a draw is at 3.30 in the 1X2 market.

Newcastle’s undefeated streak over Brentford here in the Premier League is hard to overlook, and we feel that they will extend their run against the Bees on Saturday.

Because of their combined quality on the pitch, we’re also confident in going for either Over 2.50 at 2.06 or Total Goals 4-6 at 3.95.

 

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