Newcastle predicted lineup vs Brentford - Premier League
- Newcastle host Brentford in Saturday's late Premier League kick-off
- Midfielder Sandro Tonali expected to miss out with Sean Longstaff in line to replace him
- Sven Botman may return in defence after ligaments issue
By Euan Burns
Eddie Howe's Newcastle did not expect to be towards the bottom of the Premier League table after four games, but that's what a tough fixture list can do.
The Magpies comfortably beat Villa in their league opener and the mood was high, but three consecutive defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton have soured that previously upbeat atmosphere.
To add insult to injury, there are a fair few injury problems in Howe's squad right now with Champions League commitments about to kick in with a trip to San Siro to face AC Milan next week.
With that in mind, here's the team Howe may choose to get that vital second win of the season for Newcastle.
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3)
GK: Nick Pope - He may have come in for a lot of criticism after the Brighton defeat but Pope will still be between the sticks for Newcastle this weekend.
RB: Kieran Trippier - Players with the leadership skills of Trippier are really important at times like this and Howe will be counting on the England defender to keep standards high.
CB: Fabian Schar - Another player who had a pretty torrid time against Brighton is Schar but Howe is expected to stick with the Swiss defender.
CB: Sven Botman - It may be a squeeze but Botman should make his return from injury here which will immediately make Newcastle a better team.
LB: Dan Burn - One of the first positions Howe could choose to switch up is left-back but Burn is set to hold his place again.
CM: Sean Longstaff - The beneficiary of Sandro Tonali's injury, Longstaff will get a chance to show why he has what it takes to start in the Champions League in a few days' time.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes - Mr. Reliable. Guimaraes will sit at the base of midfield and Tonali coming out of the team won't knock him off his stride.
CM: Joelinton - Howe may feel he wants to see a bit more from Joelinton in this game after a very quiet start to the season for the Brazilian.
RW: Anthony Gordon - Despite the results, it has been a largely positive start to the season for Gordon and he seems to be holding down this spot despite strong competition from Miguel Almiron.
ST: Alexander Isak - Callum Wilson is always lurking and just signed a new contract but expect Isak to get the nod again as it's his position to lose at the moment. The goals need to start flowing soon, though.
LW: Harvey Barnes - Gordon and Barnes have become a problem for Almiron as he seems to be the one missing out after impressing last campaign.
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