Predicted Newcastle XI to face Brentford: £21m man is dropped as Howe makes three changes

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It has been a painful few weeks for Newcastle United, but now they have the chance to end their losing streak on Saturday.

After three defeats on the bounce and an international break, the Magpies welcome Brentford to St James’ Park this weekend.

Eddie Howe will be desperate for his players to step up after a really disappointing start to the season, and the Toon boss is likely pondering changes to his starting XI.

With injury doubts and players struggling for form, this is the Newcastle starting lineup we predict Howe will pick to face Brentford on Saturday

Sven Botman missing for Newcastle again

Sven Botman missed Newcastle’s defeat to Brighton due to injury, and does not appear to have returned to training as of yet.

That means he is likely to miss the game against Brentford, which is a major blow.

With Botman likely to be sidelined again, Howe might be forced to name the same back four that struggled so much at the Amex Stadium.

Both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn were criticised for their performances, and they could be in line for an opportunity to bounce back and prove it was just a blip.

Sean Longstaff replaces Sandro Tonali vs Brentford

Newcastle’s current midfield is not working, which is why talk of Howe making a change is very encouraging.

It has been claimed that Sean Longstaff is likely to start against Brentford. It would be his first start of the season, having come off the bench in each of the Magpies’ four games so far.

With Longstaff coming in, someone will have to drop out. It is a toss up between Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, and we believe Howe will put the former on the bench as he continues to adapt to English football.

Eddie Howe mixes up his front three ahead of Champions League opener

Howe has plenty of options in attack, and we believe he will go with an untested front three against Brentford.

Callum Wilson was excellent off the bench last time out and should be rewarded with a start, while he will hopefully be flanked by Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, who have both been at the club’s training ground during the international break.

That would mean a first competitive start for Barnes, and it would mean Miguel Almiron dropping to the bench. The £21million man has been suffering from fatigue whilst representing Paraguay, and could be better used as a substitute.

Predicted XI vs Brentford: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Gordon, Wilson, Barnes.