Newcastle vs Brentford Preview
- Newcastle to win
- Over 1.5 goals
Newcastle United welcome Brentford to St James’ Park on Tuesday night for a high-stakes Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.
The Magpies are dreaming of a return to Wembley after last season’s heartbreak in the final, while Brentford aim to make history and secure only their second-ever semi-final berth in this competition.
Newcastle United: Back to Winning Ways
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United head into this tie buoyed by a commanding 4-0 win over Leicester at the weekend, which snapped a worrying four-match winless run.
With momentum back on their side, Newcastle are aiming to replicate their deep run in last year’s Carabao Cup, where they reached the final.
The Magpies will take extra confidence from their stellar home form in this competition, having won seven consecutive League Cup matches at St James’ Park. Six of those victories came against Premier League opposition, underlining their dominance on home soil.
However, Newcastle will be wary of complacency, particularly after their recent 4-2 defeat to Brentford earlier this month.
Key Player: Alexander Isak
Isak has been Newcastle’s talisman in recent weeks, with his last seven goals all coming before the hour mark. Crucially, six of those strikes have been Newcastle’s opening goals, making him a reliable source of early firepower.
Brentford: Poor on the Road but Hoping for a Cup Upset
Brentford arrive at St James’ Park knowing they face a monumental task. Thomas Frank’s side have struggled away from home this season, losing seven of their eight Premier League away games (D1).
Their only travelling victory came in the Carabao Cup against League Two side Colchester, highlighting their difficulties against stronger opponents.
Adding to Brentford’s woes is their abysmal record at St James’ Park, where they haven’t won since 1934. Falling 2-1 to Chelsea at the weekend was another blow to the Bees, who have now lost momentum heading into this cup tie.
For Brentford to stand any chance of success, they must improve defensively. With goals hard to come by on the road—they’ve scored just once in seven of their last eight away games—a clean sheet will likely be their best route to victory.
Key Player: Christian Nørgaard
Brentford captain Nørgaard may not be a prolific scorer, but his defensive contributions and leadership in midfield will be vital. However, his record at St James’ Park is mixed, as he has received bookings in both of his previous visits.
Tactical Battle
Newcastle will look to dominate from the outset, leveraging their high intensity and pressing style. Isak’s ability to strike early could give the Magpies the platform to dictate the game, while Bruno Guimarães and Sean Longstaff will aim to control the midfield.
Brentford are likely to adopt a defensive approach, looking to frustrate Newcastle and capitalise on any mistakes. Thomas Frank’s side will rely on set-pieces and quick counters, with Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo key figures if the Bees are to break through.
What’s at Stake
- Newcastle United: Victory would bring the Magpies one step closer to another Wembley final, reaffirming their credentials as one of the Premier League’s rising forces.
- Brentford: A win here would make history, sending Brentford to only their second-ever League Cup semi-final and ending their long wait for a victory at St James’ Park.
Head-to-Head Insights
- Newcastle have won seven consecutive home matches in the Carabao Cup.
- Brentford haven’t won away at Newcastle since 1934.
- Brentford’s away form has been dreadful this season (W1, D1, L7), with just one victory on the road.
Prediction
Newcastle’s home dominance in the Carabao Cup, combined with Brentford’s woeful away form, makes the Magpies clear favourites for this clash.
Expect the Bees to adopt a cautious approach, but Newcastle’s firepower—led by Isak—should prove too much for Thomas Frank’s side to handle.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Brentford
Newcastle have one eye on Wembley, and a victory here would take them a step closer to Carabao Cup glory. Will Brentford defy the odds and end their long wait for success at St James’ Park, or will the Magpies march on? All will be revealed in this quarter-final showdown.
For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Carabao Cup draw, Final date, results, fixtures, stats, rules – The English Football League