The Premier League returns to St James’ Park this Saturday for a match filled with contrasting storylines and high stakes.
Newcastle United, sitting 11th in the table, will welcome 7th-place Brentford in a 17:30 GMT kickoff that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The Magpies are seeking to reverse their poor league form and gain revenge for a 3-1 defeat to the Bees earlier this season, while Brentford aims to defy history and claim a rare victory on Tyneside.
With only three points separating the teams, this encounter is a crucial battle in the congested middle of the Premier League.
Head-to-head record and recent meetings
The historical record overwhelmingly favors Newcastle United in this fixture.
In their last 13 meetings across all competitions, Newcastle has won nine, Brentford has won three, and one match has ended in a draw. The goal difference in these encounters is decisively in Newcastle’s favor at 30-19.
Dominant home record: Newcastle’s strength is particularly pronounced at St James’ Park. They have won nine of their last ten home games against Brentford in all competitions, with the sole draw occurring in a 3-3 thriller in November 2021. Brentford’s only victory at this venue came nearly a century ago, a 5-2 win back in September 1934.
Goal-fest fixture: Matches between these two teams are rarely dull. Premier League meetings have seen an average of 4.1 goals per game (37 goals in 9 matches), which is the highest ratio of any fixture to have been played that many times in the competition.
Latest result: In the reverse fixture this season on 9 November 2025, Brentford secured a 3-1 comeback win at home. After Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle the lead, goals from Kevin Schade and a brace from Igor Thiago sealed the three points for the Bees.
Team news and predicted lineups
Both squads are dealing with significant absences, which will impact the managers’ selections for Saturday’s clash.
Newcastle United team news: The Magpies have a concerning injury list. Key midfielder Bruno Guimarães (ankle) and forward Joelinton (thigh) are racing to be fit. Defenders Fabian Schär (ankle surgery), Sven Botman (knee surgery), Emil Krafth (knee), and Tino Livramento (hamstring) are all expected to miss out. This leaves Eddie Howe with limited options, especially at the back.
Brentford team news: Manager Keith Andrews has fewer immediate concerns but some long-term issues. Midfielders Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo are ruled out for the season with ACL injuries. Josh Dasilva (knee) is also a major doubt.
Predicted lineups:
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Ramsey; Murphy, Gordon, Wissa.
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, van den Berg, Henry; Henderson, Janelt; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago.
Tactical preview and key matchups
This game pits Newcastle’s formidable home form against Brentford’s impressive recent away performances.
Newcastle’s home fortress vs. Brentford’s away form: Eddie Howe’s side has been a different team at St James’ Park, collecting 23 of their 33 points at home. In contrast, their away form is among the worst in the league.
Brentford, however, arrives with confidence, having won four of their last five away games across all competitions, including a notable 1-0 victory at high-flying Aston Villa last weekend.
Key players: For Newcastle, all eyes will be on Bruno Guimarães if he recovers. He has scored seven of his eight league goals this season at home. Anthony Gordon will be crucial in providing attacking spark.
For Brentford, striker Igor Thiago, who scored twice in the reverse fixture, is always a threat. Dango Ouattara, coming off the winner against Villa, will make his 100th Premier League appearance.
Style of play: Expect a direct, high-tempo game. Statistical analysis shows Newcastle and Brentford are among the most “vertical” sides in the Premier League, ranking second and third respectively in “direct speed,” which measures how quickly a team moves the ball upfield.
Newcastle leads the league in attempted crosses but has struggled with accuracy, which could be an area Brentford looks to exploit.
Prediction and betting tips
Considering all factors, Newcastle’s historical home dominance, Brentford’s patchy away form despite recent results, and the Magpies’ desperation for a league win, the prediction leans towards a home victory.
Match prediction: Newcastle United to win. The weight of history and home advantage at a roaring St James’ Park should see Newcastle through, likely in a match with goals. A 3-1 scoreline has been a common result in this fixture and is a plausible outcome.
Suggested bets:
- Newcastle United to win: Offered at around 1.97. This reflects their strong home record against a team that has lost eight of twelve away league games.
- Both Teams to Score (Yes): Priced at approximately 1.65. With both sides’ defensive vulnerabilities and the high-scoring nature of this fixture, this is a sensible pick.
- Over 2.5 Total Goals: Available at 1.67. Given the average of over four goals per game in this Premier League matchup, the odds for over 2.5 goals hold good value.
This match is more than just three points; it’s a test of trajectory. For Newcastle, a win is essential to stay in touch with the European qualification spots and justify the physical cost of a grueling season on multiple fronts.
For Brentford, it’s a chance to prove their top-seven credentials are legitimate by breaking a 92-year hoodoo at one of England’s most intimidating grounds. Expect a passionate, open, and potentially decisive battle on the Tyne this Saturday.