Matchday thread - Toon v Brentford

[UlversToon]

The Magpies return to Premier League action on Saturday, looking to end a winless three game run in that competition when the Bees arrive on Tyneside.

It's a 5.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

This will be Brentford's twelfth visit to SJP and they are winless in the previous 11. Newcastle have never failed to score against them in a home game.

United are now winless in four games in all competitions, their worst sequence since November and December 2024.

Failure to beat Brentford would make that five games - the longest barren run since February and March 2023.

Team: Anthony Gordon is the latest concern, coming off before half time at Manchester City in midweek with a hamstring issue. Speaking to the media on Friday, Eddie Howe seemed to rule him out of facing Brentford.

Bruno Guimaraes sounds more likely to feature on Saturday than Lewis Miley but that's not 100%.

Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Joelinton remain unavailable.

Assuming he plays, Sven Botman will make his 100th appearance in all competitions for Newcastle.

Coral rate this game as follows:

NUFC win 17/20
The draw 14/5
BFC win 29/10

BFC: Josh Dasilva, Antoni Milambo and Fabio Carvalho are out due to injury. Kevin Schade will be suspended following his red card against Aston Villa. The midfielder netted the opener in Brentford's 3-1 win over United last November.

Despite playing over half the game with 10 men, Brentford won 1-0 at Villa Park - ending a run of successive losses.

Igor Thiago has scored 17 PL goals so far this season, including a brace against United in the first meeting.

On the road this season, Keith Andrews has seen his side win four games and lose the other eight.

Referee: Andy Madley - a quick return to Gallowgate for the West Yorkshire whistler after he took charge of the 2-2 PL home draw with Chelsea in December 2025.

VAR: John Brooks

UK TV: Live on Sky Sports

UK Radio: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
(Second half also on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports)

Stats:

Bees in Toon - all-time:

2024/25 won 2-1 the rat, Tonali (PL)
2024/25 won 3-1 Tonali 2, Schar (LC)
2023/24 won 1-0 Wilson (PL)
2022/23 won 5-1 Bruno 2, Murphy, Almiron, og (PL)
2021/22 drew 3-3 Lascelles, Joelinton, ASM (PL)
2016/17 won 3-1 Clark, Gayle 2 (Ch)
2001/02 won 4-1 Ameobi, Bellamy 3 (LC)
1992/93 won 5-1 Kelly, Bracewell, Clark 2, Lee (D1)
1954/55 won 3-2 Curry, Hannah, Mitchell (FA)
1947/48 won 1-0 Woodburn (D2)
1934/35 lost 2-5 Gallantree, Kelly (D2)

[overseasTOON]

So we haven't lost to Brentford in 90 years at SJP?

[UlversToon]

So we haven't lost to Brentford in 90 years at SJP?

We were robbed by VAR that day as well!

[Murphy's Marvellous Grin]

I saw about 15 magpies on my way home from work today. So that must mean something. Also about forty f***ing squirrels for some reason.

[overseasTOON]

I woke up this morning and I'd scrawled "Bob Carolgees" a few times in a notebook last night.

Christ knows what that was about but I think I need to water down my gin a tad more.

[seaside nipper]

So we haven't lost to Brentford in 90 years at SJP?

Don’t know whether that statement is a comfort or creates a darker fear

[Sanchino]

I'll like to see this line-up (from the start)..

Pope
J.Murphy Thaiw Botman Hall
Tonali Ramsey
Elanga Wolfie Barnes
Wissa

Attacking and bold 4231. Let's go for it and YES Murphy may not be a natural RB and defensively in a back four he can be suspect / flaky as he's more of a wing-back/winger but we need to start playing him there so he can mould into our own version of Antonio Valencia as he ages he can be the perfect replacement next season for Kraft/Trippier if they go which is looking likely.

This is IF Miley/Bruno not fit enough to start if they are then swap Miley for Murphy and Bruno instead of Wolfie. Would like too to see Osula start but think he can be more of a impact of the bench with his pace and unpredictability in the final 25/20 mins.

Knowing Howe though he will find a way to start Trippier, Burn and Willock somehow.

[jimileysbaldhead]

So we haven't lost to Brentford in 90 years at SJP?

We were robbed by VAR that day as well!

...I was there, it was a disgraceful decision. The bone wasn't even sticking through the bloke's sock when the Newcastle full back broke his leg.

[Chappy]

[Sanchino]

Great too see Bruno back. Shame Miley's still out. Best team we could have put out.. feel like we'll see Elanga, Ramsey, Wolfie and maybe Osula start on Tuesday away at Spurs (different type of game to today).. hope Miley's back for that too. So makes sense to start Murphy, Willock and Wissa in this game as we're at home and Brentford might be defensive, as we all know Elanga is better suited to games were he'll have space to run into and Murphy better against low block teams as he can use his crossing and passing to better effect. Horses for different courses.

Main thing is Bruno is back, so we'll have better passing and creativity in the middle/his through balls to the front line should cause them problems.

Saying all this..

Going for 1-2 Brentford win though.

[Lammy]

Come on Botman

[bodacious benny]

Poor performance for the most part again.

Tripps fallen off a cliff, Murphy needs subbed at HT.

[Chappy]

We're s****

[Murphy's Marvellous Grin]

No way in bollocks is that a f***ing penalty. His arm is by his side

[bodacious benny]

Not sure where Murphy’s arm should be there.

[beatski]

s**** pen decision

[Lammy]

Just before half time too

[bodacious benny]

I mean the trippier one was definitely a penalty so wouldn’t surprise me if that’s why VAR let them keep that one.

Ball was belted at him and his arm was straight by his side in a completely natural position. Tho sums up Murphy’s half, needs subbed at HT, been absolutely terrible.

[Slim999]

What a lot of wannk we are

We've got 2 supposed wingers on the pitch and not cross into the box . Dies Murphy even know hes a forward - he's spent more time in his own half

Trips has to be gone next term .

Eddie too if this doesn't change quickly - Im afraid to say

This team has regressed in past 2 years

[beatski]

This lot love chucking a lead away