The Premier League action returns to Tyneside this Saturday, February 7, 2026, as Newcastle United welcomes Brentford for a high-stakes mid-table clash. Both sides are currently separated by just three points in the standings, with the "Bees" surprisingly holding the higher ground as they push for a historic European spot.
Match Details
Fixture: Newcastle United vs. Brentford FC
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 25)
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 17:30 GMT / 18:30 CET
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Referee: Andy Madley
Pre-Match Analysis
Newcastle: Shaking Off the Cup Blues
It has been a difficult week for Eddie Howe and his squad. Newcastle arrives at this fixture fresh from a bruising 3-1 defeat to Manchester City (5-1 on aggregate) in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. With their dreams of Wembley dashed, the Magpies must quickly pivot back to the league, where they currently sit in 11th place with 33 points.
The challenge for Newcastle has been consistency. While their home form at St James’ Park remains a major asset (7 wins in 12 home games), they have looked defensively vulnerable in recent weeks, conceding 15 goals in their last ten matches across all competitions. However, the return of Bruno Guimarães to the starting XI after an ankle scare provides a much-needed boost to their midfield control.
Brentford: The Top-Seven Contenders
Under Keith Andrews, Brentford is enjoying a sensational campaign, currently occupying 7th place (36 points). They are one of the league's most in-form teams, entering this clash after a clinical 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The Bees have already proven they can handle the Magpies this season, having won the reverse fixture 3-1 in November. With a strike force that has netted 36 times this season—led by the surging Igor Thiago—Brentford will view this as a prime opportunity to complete a league double over Newcastle and cement their status as genuine European contenders.
Team News & Injury Reports
Newcastle United Team News
Out: Fabian Schär, Tino Livramento (hamstring), and Emil Krafth are out with injuries. Sven Botman is also expected to sit this one out.
Suspended: Malick Thiaw and Anthony Gordon were initially reported as doubts due to ban concerns, but Gordon is expected to feature following a strong showing in the midweek cup match.
Player to Watch: Anthony Elanga. The winger scored the lone goal in Newcastle's cup defeat to City and has been their most consistent spark in an otherwise stuttering attack.
Brentford Team News
Out: Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo are both out for the season with cruciate ligament tears. Josh Dasilva also remains sidelined.
Returning: Jordan Henderson and Rico Henry are both fully fit and expected to start, providing a blend of veteran leadership and pace.
Player to Watch: Igor Thiago. The Brazilian has been in predatory form, netting five goals in his last six games, including a match-winning brace against Newcastle earlier this season.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Newcastle United (4-3-3):
Pope; Trippier, Burn, Kelly, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Jacob Ramsey; Elanga, Wissa, Anthony Gordon.
Brentford (4-3-3):
Kelleher; Kayode, Van den Berg, Ajer, Henry; Janelt, Jordan Henderson, Jensen; Ouattara, Igor Thiago, Lewis-Potter.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Reverse Fixture: Brentford won 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium (Nov 2025).
High-Scoring History: Entertainment is virtually guaranteed; 7 of the last 9 meetings between these two have seen Over 2.5 goals.
The "Igor" Factor: Igor Thiago scored twice and won a penalty in his last appearance against the Magpies.
Newcastle at Home: Despite recent struggles, Newcastle has won 5 of their last 10 games at St James' Park across all competitions.
Prediction: Newcastle 1–1 Brentford
Newcastle is hurting after their cup exit and will be desperate for a response in front of the Gallowgate End. However, Brentford is organized, high on confidence, and exceptionally dangerous on the counter-attack. Given Newcastle's defensive injuries and Brentford's momentum, a hard-fought draw seems the most likely outcome for two sides that currently cancel each other out.
Top Betting Tips:
Total Goals: Under 2.5. While history suggests goals, Brentford’s last four matches have all stayed under this mark.
Both Teams to Score: Yes. Neither side has looked particularly comfortable keeping clean sheets in recent weeks.
To Score Anytime: Igor Thiago. He has a psychological edge over this Newcastle defense.
