Paul Merson urges Newcastle United to play Nick Woltemade when they take on Brentford on Saturday
Newcastle United are back in Premier League action on Saturday evening, at home to Brentford. Kick-off is at 5:30pm live on Sky Sports.
After this game on Saturday, Newcastle face another four away trips in a row in all competitions, so it's absolutely crucial that they put on a show and pick up points in front of their home crowd. It's not as if the away trips are easy ones either, as they face Tottenham, Aston Villa, a 5000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan and then back to the Etihad to face Man City.
February for Newcastle is pure nightmare fuel, and this visit of Brentford is their best chance for positivity.
Having said that, Brentford are in good form coming into this one, so it's going to be far from easy.
Paul Merson can't separate the two sides with his prediction
Paul Merson has written his prediction for Sportskeeda in which he urges Eddie Howe to use Nick Woltemade to give his side height up top, but of course, Yoane Wissa will be itching to face his old club too.
"Newcastle went out of the cup, but they went out in a blaze of glory. They had big chances against City. It's just that they couldn't convert them.
"Brentford are coming off the back of an impressive win away from home to Villa. I remember them going to Chelsea and dominating the game even though they lost. It wasn't long ago they ripped Everton to shreds either. I like them, they're a good team.
"If Brentford win, they will get to 39 points. A lot of people would have put them down as relegation candidates at the start of the season. Keith Andrews and his team have done an incredible job. They are safe and have been brilliant to watch.
"Newcastle should play Nick Woltemade up front in this game. Brentford have height in set-pieces and Newcastle need Woltemade. Very rarely do I go against Newcastle at home, but Brentford are playing some good football and I expect them to get a point.
"Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Brentford"
What game was Paul Merson watching last night?
We wish we viewed last night's game through Merson's lens, mind. Went out with a bang? A bang? A BANG? I've never seen a more whimpier whimper.
Recent displays are making it very hard to get enthusiastic for Saturday's game. The fact that it's at St James' Park is what we're clinging to to provide some positivity.
Merse went with a draw; we say this is about as must-win as it gets.
