Toon to leapfrog Bees in their upward PL climb
Brentford must shake off a horrible period of form if they are to avoid being dragged into a Premier League relegation fight as they welcome Newcastle United down to London on Saturday afternoon. The visitors are now clear of the drop zone and are continuing to improve under Eddie Howe. Read our preview here:
Ethan gamer
Only Tarique Fosu-Henry is a certainty to be out for the Bees, and Thomas Frank could have Christian Eriksen in the matchday squad for the first time since signing as a free agent as he continues his recovery from the horrible events of last summer. The hosts' problems are mainly in defence of late, however. Ethan Pinnock has only missed one league match this term, and he is likely to be tasked with ensuring target man Chris Wood is kept quiet.
Ryan's saving
The list of injuries in black and white colours is long, and free kick expert Kieran Trippier could miss the rest of the campaign. Javier Manquillo will deputise in his absence, and will have Ryan Fraser down the same flank for company. The latter has had a relatively poor year, but has improved of late, as evidenced by his strike in the recent 3-1 win over Everton. Without the trickery of Allan Saint-Maximin, Wood will need close support in numbers to avoid becoming isolated, and the Scottish wide player is the most likely candidate.
Betting tip
Despite their recent upturn, the Toon Army still have an awful away record. Brentford seem to be doing their level best at the moment to hand over three points to grateful opponents, and it should be no different this weekend. betway have odds of 2.90 for a rare Newcastle victory on the road.
