Kick-off: Saturday, 7th December 2024, at 15:00 GMT

Brentford and Newcastle United meet at the Gtech Community Stadium for a mid-table Premier League clash. Both teams have 20 points, but Brentford, in 9th place, have a better goal difference, while Newcastle sits in 11th. With both sides aiming to climb into the European qualification mix, this promises to be a closely contested game.

Form Analysis: Brentford

a bee on a red circle

Brentford are 9th in the Premier League table with 20 points from 14 matches. Their record of six wins, two draws, and six losses reflects their competitive but inconsistent performances this season. They’ve scored 27 goals and conceded 26, underlining a team that excels in attack but struggles defensively.

In their last five matches, Brentford have recorded three wins and two losses. Their most recent match was a narrow 2-1 victory over Fulham, where Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa scored the goals. Mbeumo has been the standout player for the Bees this season, with eight goals, while Wissa has matched that tally. Vitaly Janelt has been pivotal in midfield, contributing a goal and three assists, but Brentford’s defence, led by Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins, remains vulnerable against quality opposition.

Form Analysis: Newcastle United

a logo of a seahorse and a flag

Newcastle sit 11th in the Premier League with 20 points from 14 matches. Eddie Howe’s side has won five games, drawn five, and lost four. While their defence has been solid, conceding just 17 goals, they’ve struggled in front of goal, scoring only 17 – the lowest among teams in the top half of the table.

The Magpies’ recent form has been steady, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. A 2-1 victory over Southampton last week highlighted Alexander Isak’s clinical finishing, bringing his tally to five goals this season. Bruno Guimarães has been a creative force in midfield with three assists, while Dan Burn and Fabian Schär have provided defensive stability. However, Newcastle need to improve their goal-scoring if they are to move up the table.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In their last five Premier League meetings, Newcastle have had the edge, winning three matches, while Brentford have won once, with one game ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter, in April 2024, ended in a 2-0 victory for Newcastle at St. James’ Park, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. Brentford’s last victory over Newcastle came in 2022.

Tactical Analysis

Brentford are expected to adopt their usual 4-3-3 formation, focusing on counter-attacks and exploiting wide areas with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. Vitaly Janelt will play a crucial role in midfield, aiming to disrupt Newcastle’s build-up play, while Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins must maintain composure against Newcastle’s forwards.

Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Alexander Isak leading the line, supported by Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes on the wings. Bruno Guimarães will dictate play in midfield, while Dan Burn and Fabian Schär will be tasked with containing Brentford’s potent attack. Newcastle’s focus will be on maintaining possession and using their pressing game to force mistakes from Brentford.

Predicted Lineups

  • Brentford (4-3-3): Mark Flekken – Kristoffer Ajer, Ethan Pinnock, Nathan Collins, Mads Roerslev – Vitaly Janelt, Christian Nørgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard – Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Keane Lewis-Potter.
  • Newcastle United (4-3-3): Nick Pope – Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, Lewis Hall, Valentino Livramento – Bruno Guimarães, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton – Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes.

Betting Options and Odds

  1. Draw (Odds: 3.40): With both teams evenly matched, a draw is a strong possibility.
  2. Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 1.85): Both Brentford and Newcastle have attacking threats capable of finding the back of the net.
  3. Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.90): Given the attacking quality on both sides, a high-scoring match is likely.

Betting Tip & Prediction: Brentford – Newcastle United (07.12.2024)

This clash is finely poised, with Brentford’s attacking flair likely to challenge Newcastle’s solid defence. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s front line, led by Isak, will aim to capitalise on Brentford’s defensive vulnerabilities. Expect an intense and competitive game with both sides sharing the spoils.

Prediction: Draw & Both Teams to Score (Odds: 4.20), with a likely scoreline of 2-2.