Newcastle United sorely needs to win again this weekend against Brentford.
Eddie Howe’s team has lost three games in a row, and everyone linked with Newcastle has had the international break to reflect on the terrible start to the season.
The schedule has been harsh to the Magpies, but we now have a far more beneficial run in the Premier League, which begins on Saturday against Brentford.
It will still be a tough game, as Thomas Frank’s club is no pushover, but Newcastle fans will go into the game hoping that their team can break their winless streak and pick up another three points.
Former Arsenal attacker Paul Merson agrees, and has backed Howe’s team to win their second game of the season at the cost of Brentford.
Merson expects a 3-1 win for Newcastle vs Brentford.
Merson has predicted the scores of all Premier League games for Sportskeeda this weekend. He predicts Newcastle will defeat Brentford 3-1 and explains why.
“This game has suddenly become a must-win for Newcastle United if they want to better or match what they achieved last season – look how quickly things can change in football,” he said.
“If they don’t win this one, securing a spot in the top four could become a problem because they’d have only three or four points from five games, which is a pitiful return for a club with lofty ambitions.”
“Brentford are a threat, and they have a lot of quality up front, but the Magpies are a tough nut to crack at home, and they should win this one.”
That would be nearly ideal for Newcastle on Saturday.
It may seem dramatic, but Merson is correct in declaring this a must-win game for Newcastle.
A win over the Bees might set the tone for a hectic few weeks for the club, as they kick up their Champions League campaign against AC Milan on Tuesday night. Following that, it’s another winnable Premier League game against Sheffield United, followed by a Carabao Cup match against Manchester City.
The games are now coming thick and fast, and Howe’s team will be put to the test. The league schedules are gentler, but there are no guarantees in English football’s top tier. Brentford will put up a fight and will not come to Tyneside expecting to lose.
However, a 3-1 victory would be nearly ideal for Newcastle. The only thing that might improve it is a clean sheet, as the Magpies have failed to keep their opponents at bay in 2023.
The key thing, though, is a win, and Merson believes Newcastle will get one.
