Overview
Right before the FIFA Days in March, Newcastle defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. This victory helped the home team at St. Petersburg. James' Park ended a 70-year thirst for titles.
However, Newcastle's Premier League record is not optimistic, as they have only won 6/15 maximum points in 5 matches since February 2025.
The Magpies will need to improve their defense if they still want to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season. They have conceded 11 goals in just their last five Premier League games.
Meanwhile, their opponent Brentford is one of only 6 teams in the tournament this season to have surpassed the 50-goal mark.
The "Bees" in the Premier League are also in a slightly better position than Newcastle. Since the beginning of February 2025, Brentford has played 6 matches and earned 10 points. However, in this match, Newcastle will have the advantage of playing at home.
The Magpies have hosted Brentford in 10 matches in their history and have only lost once, including 8 wins. In fact, this only defeat has occurred since 1934. Therefore, Newcastle is capable of keeping 3 points in this match to compete for a place in the Champions League next season.
With Anthony Gordon still suspended, Harvey Barnes will start on the left wing for Newcastle and become the hope in attack. Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa has scored for Brentford in both matches against Newcastle this season, and has scored a total of 15 goals in this year's campaign.
Personnel situation
Newcastle are still without Gordon due to suspension, while the defensive trio Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are still injured.
On the other side of the front line, Brentford will not have the services of Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, Gustavo Nunes, Aaron Hickey, Michael Kayode and Fabio Carvalho once again.
Expected lineup:
Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Livramento, Burn, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Barnes, Isak, Murphy.
Brentford: Flekken, Pinnock, Ajer, Collins, Lewis- Potter, Norgaard, Schade, Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Janelt, Wissa.
The match between Newcastle and Brentford takes place at 1:45 am on January 3 (Vietnam time).
