I didn’t recognise Newcastle when I watched them lose at West Ham United last weekend.
They were better when they beat Athletic Club at St James’ Park in the Champions League in midweek, but their away form – or lack of it – must be a concern for boss Eddie Howe.
They are still solid defensively, most of the time, but scoring goals seems a particular problem for them when they are on the road. I can see why from watching that West Ham game because they just didn’t work the goalkeeper enough.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews is happy to set his side up to play on the counter-attack, even when they are at home, and I can see Newcastle struggling to break them down too.
I’ve gone for a few draws already this week, but this game smells of another one to me.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-0
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