England League Cup - Match Prediction: Brentford VS Newcastle United

Match Time：12/23/2020 01:30 Wednesday  (GMT+8)

England League Cup --  Brentford   VS   Newcastle United

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Brentford face Newcastle United on Wednesday morning looking to reach the EFL Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history. While the Bees are unbeaten in their last 13 matches in the Championship, Newcastle have gone two games without success in the Premier League.

 

Match preview

Having failed to lift any major silverware since 1955, winning this season's EFL Cup would represent one of the biggest achievements in Newcastle United's history. Nevertheless, despite ambitions to go further in this competition, Steve Bruce would have preferred to have one fewer fixture on the club's schedule after the recent coronavirus outbreak.Bruce has spoken about the lingering effects that it has had on some players, and the game in West London will take second priority behind ensuring that none of his squad are pushed too hard ahead of the Christmas period.From a competitive perspective, Bruce will want the Magpies to get back on track after two top-flight games without success, the latest game ending with Fulham in a 1-1 draw.Newcastle benefitted from a controversial penalty decision to earn a share of the spoils, one which has kept them in contention for the mid-table positions.Thomas Frank's Brentford squad are also eager for a few days off after remarkably coming through a relentless second-tier schedule with a 13-match unbeaten record.While seven of those games have been draws, recording almost two points per game over a two-month period has put the Bees close to the Championship automatic places.Frank will be relieved that more members of his squad are beginning to help Ivan Toney in the scoring charts, but there is little doubting that the former Newcastle youngster remains the spearhead of this attack. Brentford are looking to defeat Premier League opposition for a fourth time this season after already progressing past Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham.

 

Brentford EFL Cup form: DWDW

Brentford form (all competitions): WDDWDW

 

Newcastle United EFL Cup form: WWD

Newcastle United form (all competitions): LLWWLD

 

Team News

Brentford will be able to call upon Ethan Pinnock after the defender served a one-match suspension.Goalkeeper Luke Daniels could be given an opportunity between the sticks, while Christian Norgaard is in contention after a spell out through injury.Bruce will almost certainly make several changes to his Newcastle XI with Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll pushing for a start in attack.Mark Gillespie, Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser are also in line to be presented with chances in the team.

 

Brentford possible starting lineup: Daniels; Fosu-Henry, Goode, Pinnock, Henry; Marcondes, Norgaard, Jensen; Ghoddos, Forss, Canos

Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Gillespie; Yedlin, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie; Murphy, Shelvey, Longstaff, Fraser; Carroll, Gayle

 

Brentford VS Newcastle United

Brentford 2-1 Newcastle United

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