Premier League 2025-2026: Newcastle-Brentford, the likely lineups
Reduced from elimination in the Carabao Cup semifinals at the hands of Manchester City, Newcastle returns to the Premier League field with the goal of breaking a four-game losing streak. At St. James’ Park comes a surging Brentford, capable of surprising Aston Villa in the last round despite being outnumbered. The two teams meet again after the 3-1 first leg, when the Bees prevailed at the G-tech Community Stadium.
The second defeat out of two in the League Cup semifinals against City highlighted limitations and fatigue in a Newcastle side that, a few days earlier, had also cashed in a heavy 4-1 loss at Anfield against Liverpool. Eddie Howe must contend with the absences of Gordon, Joelinton, Livramento, Schär and Krafth, while doubts remain about the conditions of Guimaraes and Miley. The coach could rely on a midfield made up of Tonali, Willock and Ramsey, considering whether to deploy Wissa or Woltemade as an offensive reference.
Brentford, on the other hand, is back from a 1-0 success at home to Aston Villa’Aston Villa, a result that confirmed the Bees’ bright moment. Keith Andrews’ team will have to do without the injured Carvalho, Milambo and Dasilva, as well as the disqualified Schade, while Damsgaard is available again. Forward Thiago, already decisive in the first leg, will lead the attack, with Ouattara and Lewis-Potter on either side. Brentford dreams of Europe, but knows that St. James’Park will be a hostile ground beyond the Magpies’ recent results.
Probable lineups
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes. All. Howe.
BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Kelleher; Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Henry; Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Jensen; Ouattara, Thiago, Lewis-Potter. All. Andrews.
