Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Matty Hewitt

Ivan Toney set for Brentford return but Newcastle 'favourites' for Premier League clash

Newcastle head to West London knowing a win would move them one step closer to ensuring Premier League survival.

The Magpies are one of the form sides in the division and know picking up three points against Brentford, would lift them above their hosts.

Eddie Howe's side have picked up impressive wins against Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa, before picking up a point against Champions League chasing West Ham.

Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news

The Bees, in comparison, have picked up just one point in the last seven games. A run of form that has seen them hauled into the Premier League relegation battle.

ChronicleLive spoke with Football London's Brentford FC reporter Uzzi Majid to get the lowdown on the Bees ahead of Saturday's game.

1. What can Newcastle expect from Brentford, given they've not won since January 2?

Uzzi Majid : "From a Brentford perspective, you would like to hope that recent results would give them the kick up the backside.

"Newcastle will be hoping the same old continues on Saturday afternoon, but this is the game Brentford seriously have to wake themselves up for as they could be below their opponents should they lose yet again.

"A win for Newcastle would be a long way to sealing their status, whilst defeat for Brentford would be a major concern."

Brentford defender Charlie Goode in action against Watford at the Brentford Community Stadium. (Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)

2. Have results told the full story, i.e. played well but not picked up points?

UM: " Brentford were unlucky to lose against the likes of Brighton, Chelsea and Leicester earlier in the season, but since that defeat to the Foxes in October; many of the performances as well as the football has been difficult to watch.

"Even the wins over Everton, Watford and Aston Villa felt like a slog rather than performing very well.

"Ever since the Villa victory, it's been utter misery with no league win since and you wonder when the next one will come."

3. Is there a genuine fear of relegation in the Bees camp, are they worried about being drawn into a relegation battle?

UM: " Thomas Frank wouldn't admit it publicly, but Brentford are in serious trouble.

"They would have been encouraged by Liverpool and Crystal Palace winning last night, but Burnley's win over Spurs has really rocked the boat.

"They're now four points behind the Bees in the table, with three games in hand not to mention they come to Brentford in two weeks in what is a massive game.

"Their April schedule is tough enough, having to go to Chelsea, Watford and Manchester United not to mention home games against West Ham and Spurs.

"To top it off, a home game against Leeds on the final day in what could be a do-or-die clash."

4. What's the Brentford take on Newcastle's unbeaten streak?

"It has been quite the turnaround if we're being honest.

"The important thing for them was that they won their bread and butter games against the likes of Leeds, Everton and Aston Villa, which might make the difference come the end of the season.

"Taking a well-deserved point against a team chasing Champions League football next season, will have certainly given Eddie Howe's side some confidence.

"They're without doubt favourites for Saturday, even being the away side."

5. What are the chances of Ivan Toney and Christian Eriksen featuring against Newcastle?

UM: " The good news is that Ivan Toney has been back in training this week so hopefully Brentford will have him in their ranks for the weekend.

"With regards to Christian Eriksen, he came through his second friendly against Rangers on Monday playing over 70 minutes.

"He is likely to be in the squad for the game although he is unlikely to start."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.