Predicted Newcastle United team for trip to Brentford: Howe could face Saint-Maximin-sized hole
While in a good vein of form at the moment, the predicted Newcastle United team to face Brentford could see Allan Saint-Maximin miss out.
The Magpies have been in very good form in the past few weeks. Indeed, they have not lost a Premier League game since the turn of the year.
Eddie Howe’s side beat Everton and Aston Villa in consecutive games. They then went on to draw 1-1 with sixth-placed West Ham.
Howe was complimentary of several of his players during the run in his pre-match press conference.
“[Matt Targett and Dan Burn] have taken to what we’ve asked them to do excellently. They’ve defended very well, which is their job, but they really have helped our team. Dan, especially, has used the ball very well. He’s been very composed, talks well, has leadership qualities,” he said.
“He’s [Bruno Guimaraes] trained very well. Mentally, he’s in a good place…he’s an intelligent player so he understands his position & he knows we’ve got a lot of games to come. Fixture congestion will be packed as the season unfolds so he will have a lot of opportunities.”
Howe also hinted at the potential that star player Saint-Maximin could miss out.
“He’s been away to get specialised treatment abroad. We felt that was the quickest way to getting him fit. He’s in a very good place mentally & very eager to return. [Ryan] Fraser fit. [Javier] Manquillo has trained but not 100%,” he said.
Indeed, as the Magpies’ most potent forward asset this season – having scored five goals and assisted three – Saint-Maximin would be a big miss.
Last time out – West Ham 1-1 Newcastle
Emil Krafth started at right-back, due to Kieran Trippier being out with a broken bone in his foot. The centre-back pairing consisted of Fabian Schar and new signing Dan Burn, who Howe has been impressed with.
Loanee Matt Targett started at left-back, and has been the subject of speculation regarding a permanent deal.
Joe Willock starred from the midfield, getting a well deserved goal after going close early on.
January signing Chris Wood played the full 90 minutes for the fifth time as a Newcastle player. The New Zealander is yet to score for the Magpies.
Predicted Newcastle team against Brentford
Martin Dubravka will likely play in goal. Three of the defenders from the last game: Targett, Burn and Schar could play, and Manquillo could replace Krafth after returning from an ankle injury.
The midfield will likely be unchanged; Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Willock.
The front three of Fraser, Wood and Jacob Murphy could all start again.
Predicted Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Burn, Targett; Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton; Fraser, Wood, Murphy
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