Newcastle vs Brentford Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 7 February

Newcastle vs Brentford Prediction, Match Preview: This Saturday, 7 February, Premier League action continues as Newcastle host Brentford at the iconic St James’ Park. Newcastle, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their home advantage in this crucial league encounter. Meanwhile, Brentford will aim to challenge the hosts and secure valuable points on the road. Both teams are eager to improve their positions in the Premier League, making this matchup significant for fans and bettors alike.

St James’ Park is set to host what promises to be an engaging clash between these two English sides. Newcastle’s recent home performances have been a mix of highs and lows, while Brentford have shown resilience in their away games. As both teams vie for a better position in the league table, this match could play a pivotal role in shaping their respective seasons. Fans can expect a competitive game with both teams bringing their best to the pitch.

Newcastle vs Brentford Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Newcastle United to Win	1.9

Considering the historical context and current form, our recommended betting tip is to back Newcastle to win. Despite missing some key players, Newcastle’s home form and tactical prowess under Eddie Howe provide them with a substantial advantage over a weakened Brentford side.

• Newcastle have won four of their last five meetings against Brentford, showcasing their dominance in this fixture.
• Brentford’s attacking threat is significantly reduced with key players such as Fábio Carvalho and Kevin Schade unavailable.
• Newcastle’s robust home performance and Eddie Howe’s tactical set-up make them favourites to secure all three points.

Betting Odds

Newcastle step onto the pitch at St James’ Park as favourites, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. Brentford, however, are no pushovers, and their odds suggest a potential upset could be on the cards.

Betting Tip	Odds
Newcastle to Win	2.05
Draw	3.53
Brentford to Win	3.52

For those looking to place a bet, the draw is priced enticingly close to Brentford’s odds, indicating a tight match. The over 2.5 goals market also looks promising given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Newcastle Analysis & Past Performance

Newcastle’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five fixtures. This stretch includes a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup and a significant 4-1 loss against Liverpool in the Premier League. Their draw against Paris Saint-Germain (1-1) in the Champions League was a commendable result, reflecting some resilience against top-tier opposition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Newcastle	3 – 1 (Loss)	EFL Cup	Feb 4, 2026
Liverpool	Newcastle	4 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 31, 2026
Paris Saint-Germain	Newcastle	1 – 1 (Draw)	Champions League	Jan 28, 2026
Newcastle	Aston Villa	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 25, 2026
Newcastle	PSV Eindhoven	3 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	Jan 21, 2026

Recent Form:
Newcastle’s attack has averaged 1.20 goals per game over the last five matches, with goals in four of these encounters. However, their defence has been a concern, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game during this period. Despite this, they’ve managed one clean sheet against PSV Eindhoven (3-0) in the Champions League, indicating potential for defensive solidity.

Home Performance:

• LLDLW

In terms of home fixtures, Newcastle have demonstrated stronger performances, winning three out of their last five home games. This translates to a win ratio of 60% at St James’ Park. Their ability to capitalise on home advantage is crucial as they face Brentford next, having scored in four of their last five home matches.

Newcastle Suspensions & Injuries

Newcastle face a few challenges with key players such as Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Valentino Livramento, and Joelinton sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Schär, with his expected return in mid-April, could impact defensive solidity, necessitating reliance on the likes of Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn to fill the void. Krafth’s imminent return offers some hope for defensive reinforcement soon.

Joelinton’s thigh injury, expected to keep him out until late February, means the midfield will lean heavily on the creative play of Joe Willock and Sandro Tonali. The absence of these players could see Jacob Ramsey taking on a more significant role in linking play and maintaining midfield pressure.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Emil Krafth	Knee injury	About a week
Fabian Schär	Ankle injury	Mid April 2026
Valentino Livramento	Hamstring injury	Mid March 2026
Joelinton	Thigh injury	Late February 2026

Tactically, Eddie Howe may need to adjust his formation slightly to compensate for the lack of depth, particularly in defence and midfield. The 4-3-3 formation might see a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining a solid structure to mitigate the loss of key personnel. This could also impact Newcastle’s betting odds, as their capacity to field a full-strength side is compromised, potentially affecting their performance against Brentford.

Newcastle Key Players

Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle’s top scorer with 8 goals this season, is set to be a pivotal figure against Brentford. His ability to find the back of the net from midfield adds a significant threat to the team’s attacking dynamics. In the forward line, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes are expected to offer creativity and pace, with Yoane Wissa likely to play a crucial role in converting chances into goals. Their synergy will be vital in breaking down Brentford’s defence.

Defensively, Kieran Trippier’s experience and leadership at right-back will be crucial, alongside Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn, who will need to maintain a solid defensive line. The midfield trio of Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali, and Joe Willock will look to control the game’s tempo, providing a balance between defensive duties and attacking support.

Expected lineup for Newcastle:

• Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
• Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall
• Midfielders: Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock
• Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa

The tactical impact of these players will shape Newcastle’s approach, emphasising quick transitions and solid defensive organisation. Trippier’s crossing ability and Guimarães’s vision could be instrumental in unlocking Brentford’s defence. The combination of attacking prowess and defensive stability makes Newcastle a formidable opponent, highlighting their strengths in both creativity and resilience.

Newcastle Tactics and Formation

Newcastle Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Yoane Wissa
• Midfield Engine: Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock
• Defensive Concerns: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with a focus on quick wing play.

Newcastle’s 4-3-3 formation under Eddie Howe aims to maximise attacking potential while maintaining midfield control. With Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock in midfield, the team combines defensive solidity with creative play. Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes provide width, supporting Yoane Wissa in the central forward role.

Defensively, the back four of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, and Lewis Hall have struggled to keep clean sheets, achieving just one in the last five matches. This highlights a need for improved defensive coordination, especially against teams with strong attacking prowess.

Offensively, Newcastle’s strategy hinges on high pressing and exploiting spaces on the wings. This approach has been effective in creating opportunities, though the absence of key players such as Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon may impact their ability to consistently convert chances into goals.

Brentford Analysis & Past Performance

Brentford’s recent form has been somewhat mixed, reflecting their current standing of 7th in the Premier League. In their last five fixtures, they have secured three wins and suffered two defeats, showcasing a win ratio of 60%. Their last outing resulted in a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Aston Villa, emphasising their ability to grind out results on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Aston Villa	Brentford	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	1 Feb 2026
Brentford	Nottingham Forest	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Brentford	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Sheffield Wednesday	Brentford	0 – 2 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Brentford	Sunderland	3 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Offensively, Brentford have been fairly productive, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five matches, while their defensive efforts have seen them maintain two clean sheets. This defensive solidity is further evidenced by their average of 1.20 goals conceded per match in the same period. Notably, Igor Thiago has been pivotal in attack, leading the team with 16 goals this season.

Away Performance:

• WLLWW

On their travels, Brentford have shown commendable resilience, winning four out of their last five away matches, which translates to an impressive 80% win ratio. Their ability to adapt in different environments is highlighted by their recent clean sheet against Aston Villa, despite having only 28% possession and facing 26 shots.

Brentford Suspensions & Injuries

Brentford face some challenges going into the match against Newcastle, with key players missing due to injuries and suspensions. Joshua Da Silva is sidelined after knee surgery and is not expected to return until late February 2026, which affects the midfield’s stability. His absence requires a reshuffle, with Vitaly Janelt likely stepping up to fill the gap. The absence of Fábio Carvalho for the rest of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury further limits options in the attacking midfield role.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Kevin Schade	Red card	1	Unknown

Kevin Schade’s suspension following a red card leaves a void in the attacking department, where his pace and creativity are sorely missed. Keane Lewis-Potter is expected to replace him, offering a different dynamic on the wing. The tactical impact is significant, as Brentford will need to rely more on Dango Ouattara and Mathias Jensen to create chances.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Antoni Milambo	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-August 2026
Joshua Da Silva	Knee surgery	Late February 2026
Fábio Carvalho	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season

Antoni Milambo’s long-term cruciate ligament injury means he will not feature until mid-August 2026, impacting Brentford’s depth. These absences could play a crucial role in the betting markets, potentially swaying the odds in Newcastle’s favour, as Brentford’s weakened squad might struggle to maintain their usual performance levels.

Brentford Key Players

Brentford’s main attacking threat comes from their top scorer, Igor Thiago, who has impressively netted 16 goals this season. As a forward, Thiago’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the opposition’s defence make him a constant threat. His knack for being in the right place at the right time is pivotal for Brentford’s attacking strategy, offering them a reliable outlet for goals.

In midfield, the experience of Jordan Henderson and the all-round capabilities of Mathias Jensen provide a solid foundation. Henderson’s leadership and passing range are crucial in dictating the tempo, while Jensen’s vision and creativity can unlock defences. Defensively, Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer form a formidable partnership. Their aerial prowess and positioning are key to Brentford’s defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Brentford

• Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
• Defence: Michael Kayode, Sepp van den Berg, Rico Henry, Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer
• Midfield: Jordan Henderson, Vitaly Janelt, Dango Ouattara, Keane Lewis-Potter, Mathias Jensen
• Forward: Igor Thiago

Brentford Tactics and Formation

Brentford Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Thiago
• Midfield Pivot: Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive structure with counter-attacking potential.

Brentford’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Keith Andrews provides a balanced approach, focusing on a strong defensive setup and quick transitions. Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt form the midfield pivot, offering defensive coverage and facilitating ball movement to the attacking third. Mathias Jensen plays an integral role as the central attacking midfielder, linking up with Igor Thiago, the top scorer.

Defensively, Brentford’s back four, including Michael Kayode and Rico Henry on the flanks, offers both solidity and width. Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Vassbakk Ajer anchor the centre, contributing to their three clean sheets in recent matches. Caoimhin Kelleher, in goal, has been instrumental in maintaining defensive resilience.

Offensively, Brentford leverage the pace of Dango Ouattara and Keane Lewis-Potter on the wings to exploit spaces left by opponents. The team’s ability to execute swift counter-attacks has been pivotal in matches where possession is limited, as seen in their recent 1-0 victory over Aston Villa despite only 28% possession.

Newcastle vs Brentford Head-to-Head Record

Newcastle have a strong head-to-head record against Brentford, winning 10 of their 14 encounters. Brentford have managed just three wins, with the sides drawing twice. In their last meeting, Brentford came out on top with a 3-1 victory at home in the Premier League, showcasing their ability to challenge Newcastle.

The last time Newcastle hosted Brentford at St James’ Park in the Premier League, they secured a 2-1 win. Historically, Newcastle have been dominant at home against Brentford, which could give them the edge in this upcoming fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brentford	Newcastle United	3 – 1	Premier League	2025-11-09
Newcastle United	Brentford	2 – 1	Premier League	2025-04-02
Newcastle United	Brentford	3 – 1	EFL Cup	2024-12-18
Brentford	Newcastle United	4 – 2	Premier League	2024-12-07
Brentford	Newcastle United	2 – 4	Premier League	2024-05-19