Premier League Encounter: Newcastle United vs Brentford
As the Premier League campaign goes on, Newcastle United will host Brentford FC at St. James' Park on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with a kick-off time of 20:45 BST (10:45 PM East Africa Time). The match is crucial to both sides as they battle for European qualification spots.
Current Form and Standings
Newcastle United
Newcastle United enters this game with high spirits having won the EFL Cup from Liverpool. This victory has been confidence-enhancing for them in their pursuit of pushing to Champions League spots. Newcastle stands sixth in the league, missing just a single point from desired top five places.
Brentford FC
Brentford, though, has demonstrated determination and resilience in their quest for European football. The Bees have won three of their previous five matches and are four points from potential European qualification. Relevently, Brentford has improved their away record, having won their last five away games.
Newcastle vs Brentford: Head-to-Head Stats (H2H)
Historically, Newcastle has enjoyed a strong record against Brentford, remaining unbeaten in six of their previous seven meetings. However, Brentford did defeat Newcastle 4-2 earlier this season, which helps to emphasize the threat that Brentford pose to the Magpies.
- Last 5 Meetings:
- Brentford 4-2 Newcastle (2024)
- Newcastle 1-0 Brentford (2023)
- Brentford 2-2 Newcastle (2022)
- Newcastle 3-1 Brentford (2021)
- Brentford 0-2 Newcastle (2021)
Newcastle vs Brentford: Team News and Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United Team News
Manager Eddie Howe has a series of injury concerns to deal with. Key players Callum Wilson (thigh), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Nick Pope (knee), Emil Krafth (shoulder), and Sven Botman (fitness) are out of selection. Botman has only recently featured for Newcastle's Under-21s but will not be available for first-team duty until closer to the end of the month.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Murphy
Brentford Team News
The Bees will miss Josh Dasilva (knee), Mathias Jensen (hamstring), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Rico Lewis (knee), and Gustavo Nunes (back).
Kristoffer Ajer returned from injury at Chelsea and will probably start.
Brentford Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):
Flekken; Ajer, Pinnock, Van den Bergh, Mee, Lewis-Potter; Yarmoliuk, Janelt; Wissa, Carvalho, Schade
Key Players to Watch
Newcastle United: Alexander Isak
The Swedish striker has been Newcastle's mainstay, his goal-scoring prowess a constant headache for opposing defenses. Isak's current form will be the difference-maker for the Magpies' attacking heroics.
Brentford FC: Yoane Wissa
Wissa's pace and precision have proved effective in overcoming solid defenses. His recent performances emphasize his scoring chances conversion, which is why he's a priority to watch in this match.
Match Prediction: Newcastle vs Brentford
Considering Newcastle's home record and recent performance, they should be expected to win. However, Brentford's improved away performances and attacking quality suggest that they could be a stiff test. A close game is anticipated, with Newcastle likely to eke out a 2-1 win.
Predicted Score: Newcastle 2-1 Brentford
Betting Tips and Odds
- Newcastle to Win – 1.73
- Draw – 4.30
- Brentford to Win – 4.10
- Over 2.5 Goals – 1.75 (Recommended Bet)
Considering the attacking capabilities of both teams, a bet on over 2.5 goals might be a good choice.
Conclusion
This Premier League clash of Newcastle United against Brentford FC will prove to be an extremely fascinating affair with European qualification stakes riding high. The viewers are in for a thrilling game where both the teams can hope to gain critical points for either team's cause.