Newcastle United is back in action after their recent triumph in the Carabao Cup, looking to climb the Premier League table as they host Brentford at St. James' Park on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The match kicks off at 2:45 PM ET, and fans can catch all the action live on Peacock.
The Magpies, fresh off a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Wembley, which ended a 70-year trophy drought, are eager to continue their momentum. This win also secured Newcastle a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League for next season. Newcastle currently sits in sixth place, just two points behind fourth-place Chelsea and one point behind fifth-place Manchester City, making this match crucial for their aspirations of a Champions League return.
Brentford, meanwhile, arrives at St. James' Park sitting mid-table with 41 points, six points behind Newcastle and seven points behind seventh-place Brighton. The Bees have experienced a mixed season but have shown glimpses of their potential, with only one defeat in their last five Premier League matches. Manager Thomas Frank will be keen to capitalize on any slip-ups from Newcastle as they aim for European football for the first time in their history.
In terms of team news, Newcastle will be without several key players. Lewis Hall is sidelined for the season due to a foot injury, while Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are also out with knee injuries. Anthony Gordon is suspended, leaving a gap in the forward line that Harvey Barnes is expected to fill. The starting lineup for Newcastle includes goalkeeper Nick Pope, defenders Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento, with a midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton, and an attacking front featuring Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Barnes.
Brentford's lineup will see goalkeeper Mark Flekken shielded by defenders Sepp van den Berg, Ayoze Pérez, and Ethan Pinnock. Their midfield comprises Keane Lewis-Potter, Christian Norgaard, and Vitaly Janelt, while their attack is led by Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Yoane Wissa. Brentford will be without Michael Kayode, Fabio Carvalho, Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, and Gustavo Nunes due to injuries, while Rico Henry is a fitness concern.
As the match kicked off, Newcastle aimed to assert their dominance early, with Isak looking to add to his impressive tally of 19 goals this season. The first half saw both teams testing each other's defenses but it was Newcastle who struck first. In the dying moments of the first half, Isak found the net, giving Newcastle a crucial lead just before the break.
However, Brentford did not back down easily. They responded well in the second half, managing to equalize through a penalty converted by Mbeumo after a foul by Pope. This goal injected fresh energy into the Bees, who began to press for a second, looking to capitalize on the momentum shift.
Newcastle, however, was not to be outdone. Tonali, with a moment of brilliance, restored Newcastle's lead with a stunning goal that put them back in front. The home crowd erupted as the Magpies took a 2-1 lead, bolstered by their recent cup success.
The match continued to be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating chances. Newcastle's defense, led by Schar and Trippier, held firm against Brentford's advances, while Pope made crucial saves to deny the Bees any further goals.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted, with Brentford pushing for an equalizer. The fourth official indicated eight minutes of stoppage time, providing Brentford with one last opportunity to salvage a point. Despite their efforts, Newcastle's defense remained resolute, and they managed to hold on to their lead.
With the final whistle, Newcastle secured a vital 2-1 victory, moving them up to fifth place in the Premier League standings. This win not only boosts their chances of qualifying for the Champions League but also reinforces their confidence following their recent cup triumph.
As the players celebrated on the pitch, the focus now shifts to their next fixtures as they aim to maintain their form and push for a top-four finish in the league.
