Newcastle United vs Brentford: Latest confirmed team news and prediction for Premier League game

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Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Wednesday as Brentford come to St James’ Park.

After winning the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United are again fully focused on their Premier League campaign.

While Brentford are in fine form on the road, Eddie Howe’s side will be expected to win at home.

Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, though just one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City.

Finishing in the top five could be enough to qualify for next season’s Champions League, so the race is on.

With that in mind and ahead of another huge game for Newcastle in the Premier League, here’s a look at the latest team news and a prediction.

• READ MORE: Newcastle United’s predicted XI vs Brenftord

Newcastle United confirmed team news vs Brentford

Anthony Gordon is suspended for the Brentford game, though may not have played anyway.

Howe has confirmed Gordon is still injured after taking a knock to his thigh while playing for England during the international break earlier this month.

Defender Lewis Hall has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Sven Botman is not expected back for a few weeks.

Jamaal Lascelles may not play at all this season, following surgery on a serious knee injury last year.

Teenage duo Sean Neave and Leo Shahar have been training with the Newcastle first-team ahead of the Brentford clash.

Otherwise, it looks to be a case of as you were from the Carabao Cup final. Indeed, it would not be a surprise to see Howe name a similar XI to the one who beat Liverpool at Wembley.

• READ MORE: Chris Sutton’s prediction for Newcastle United vs Brentford

Newcastle United vs Brentford prediction

Brentford have won five consecutive Premier League away games, so certainly arrive on Tyneside with some pedigree on the road.

It is no doubt a difficult return to action for Newcastle. The Bees smashed Howe’s side 4-2 in west London back in December, albeit they lost 3-1 at St James’ in the Carabao Cup quarter-final shortly after.

Thomas Frank’s side should be treated with respect of course but Newcastle simply have to win their home games if they are to qualify for the Champions League. Having had something of a break to let the emotions fizzle down since Wembley, a home win does not feel out of the question.

Prediction: Newcastle to win 2-1.