Newcastle United new boss Eddie Howe has a great chance to get off to a winning start with a home clash against Brentford.
Howe has had around 10 days to get to know the players and has been putting in 12-hour shifts in order to get on top of the job.
The former Bournemouth boss will miss today's game due to a positive Covid test, but will be working remotely from a hotel.
With a new attacking style of play set to be unveiled against the Bees the fans will head to St James' Park with optimism in the air.
Lee Ryder's prediction
This is a must-win for Newcastle but I think they will win, simply because the vibes around the place are much more positive than in recent months.
Howe's spoke well on the eve of the game but now his players must put what they've been told in practice on a match day.
Brentford's rocky form, with four straight Premier League defeats in a row, offers cause to be positive too.
They enjoyed a bit of a honeymoon start to life in the top-flight after promotion but could be just four points ahead of Newcastle if they are beaten at St James' Park here.
Here's to the first win of the season.
Referee
Robert Jones (Liverpool)
Took charge of the 1-0 win over Sheff United last season when Joe Willock scored, can his presence be an omen for the midfielder who is yet to get off the mark?
Betting
Newcastle vs Brentford odds with Grosvenor Sport
Newcastle 17/10
Draw 47/20
Brentford 17/10
*odds subject to change
Get £30 in FREE BETS when you bet £10 on Newcastle vs Brentford with Grosvenor Sport
18+, new UK customers only, T&Cs apply
