Newcastle United must stand up to the task of becoming the first team to beat Brentford in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium since Arsenal back in September.
To say Thomas Frank's side are a tough nut to crack is an understatement given that Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Liverpool emerged with zero points between them from trips to the 2020 constructed capital venue. Not only do Brentford go for the jugular in games and attack they also refuse to throw the towel and dig in for a result when needed, make no mistake this is one of the toughest away games of the season.
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Lee Ryder's verdict
Brentford have been a breath of fresh air since gaining Premier League status when winning the play-offs in 2021 against Swansea at Wembley. There is excitement around their plush new home in games and they have managed to put some big names to the sword since switching from the old Griffin Park - including United in the League Cup under Steve Bruce.
Last season they finished in a respectable 13th place for a newly promoted club and bagged 48 goals along the way. This term they have stepped up to an even higher standard and with nine games left are in the chase for Europe.
They sit in ninth place after a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the week. The danger for Newcastle is to think it can be as simple as the West Ham clash.
But Howe and his team of video analysts will be looking for flaws in a Brentford defence that has been breached 38 times this term. The Bees struggle with attacks down the wings and they don't like it when players run at them from midfield with several goals conceded from such scenarios this term.
I think this will be tighter than many expect and 18-goal former striker Ivan Toney will be waiting for United, but I think Newcastle will pick up another away win against Frank's side. One side note on Toney is the fact he is on nine yellow cards on and the brink of suspension which can sometimes affect performance.
Chris Kavanagh (Greater Manchester)
The 37-year-old official has found himself in the thick of the headlines in recent weeks after the stormy FA Cup quarter-final between Man United and Fulham. That day he was shoved by Aleksandar Mitrovic who ended up getting an eight-match ban.
On a day when Willian was also sent for an early bath, Kavanagh was a busy man. Just when he was hoping for a breather he was caught up in another storm as he reffed Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Wolves.
That day he took no action when Daniel Podence was deemed to have spat on Brennan Johnson in another ill-tempered affair. Since then Podence has been charged by the FA for his actions.
Surely Kavanagh can't be in for a third controversial encounter in a row?
Betting
The Bees are 5/2 to pick up the win with Bet 365 while Newcastle are priced at 11/10. The draw is 12/5.
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