Newcastle v Brentford: Line-ups, stats and preview

Newcastle v Brentford match preview

Four days after the euphoria of a trophy parade around the city to celebrate their EFL Cup final triumph over Liverpool, Newcastle have the grounding prospect of returning to Premier League action against a Brentford side who beat them 4-2 in December.

Newcastle lost their last home game a month ago – a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup – and manager Eddie Howe acknowledged that psychology had been a “huge thing” in the build-up to a potentially crucial match in the race to earn Champions League qualification.

“I’ve seen a really good reaction from the players,” said Howe, reflecting on the challenge of ensuring his squad’s league form is not impacted by the seismic effect of winning the club’s first major trophy since 1955.

“I haven’t seen an over-reaction – I’ve seen the type of reaction that I expect. This is going to be a key moment in our season. The question mark against us is whether we can be the team we were against Liverpool.”

NEWCASTLE UNITED. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/Q3gGL9AJAL

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 30, 2025

Newcastle could go fourth with victory, while Brentford have little room for error if they are to sustain their hopes of playing in Europe for the first time.

The 11th-placed Bees started the week three points behind Bournemouth immediately above them and four shy of Aston Villa and Fulham.

“I hope they had an unbelievable party because they deserved it,” Brentford manager Thomas Frank said of Newcastle. “It’s their first major cup in almost a lifetime.

“It’s an incredible achievement for them and I’m really happy on their behalf. I’m pretty sure they will come flying out under the floodlights for a celebration. They will be trying everything they can to hunt down that Champions League spot.”

™️ Trademark, Bryan

Our opener against the Magpies back in December 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9HH8Cq0kwg

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 1, 2025

Newcastle v Brentford team news

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon remains out with a thigh injury he sustained while playing for England last month, while defender Sven Botman has had a minor knee operation.

“The initial diagnosis was between six and eight weeks but I think he’s already got through a few of those,” said Howe. “Fingers crossed we’ll see him in May.”

Tino Livramento will continue to deputise for Lewis Hall after the left-back had surgery on a foot injury, and captain Jamaal Lascelles may not return this season after a knee operation.

Full-back Michael Kayode is back in contention for Brentford but Mathias Jensen remains out after his injury comeback was hindered by illness and fellow midfielder Fabio Carvalho is likely to miss the rest of the campaign with a shoulder problem.

Full-backs Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey and forward Gustavo Nunes are close to returning but will not feature against Newcastle. Midfielder Josh Dasilva and striker Igor Thiago and progressing with longer-term recoveries.

🔙

Michael Kayode is available for tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ntDtYSyreH

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 1, 2025