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Oscar Haley

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make Newcastle United call for Brentford clash

Pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson both believe Newcastle United will beat Brentford this weekend when the two sides face off at St James' Park.

Newcastle head into the contest on the back of a dominant 4-1 win over Fulham last weekend, which saw Eddie Howe's side pick up their second league win of the season.

Brentford, who will have former Magpies striker Ivan Toney leading their attack, have enjoyed a mixed start to their season. The Bees sit 10th in the table and are more than capable on turning anyone over on their day.

Here's what Sutton, Merson and Sky Sports tipster Lewis Jones make of Newcastle's chances this weekend...

Chris Sutton

BBC Sport's Chris Sutton believes Newcastle will pick up where they left off last weekend against Fulham, with the former Celtic and Blackburn Rovers striker backing Eddie Howe and co to pick up three points against Brentford.

"I watched Newcastle beat Fulham last weekend and I was very impressed with them going forward," writes Sutton in his BBC Sport Premier League predictions column.

READ MORE: 'It's a beautiful thing' - What the new Newcastle United feels like for players, staff and fans

"Callum Wilson did well on his return from injury and Miguel Almiron looks a completely different player compared to last season. Almiron only got one goal during the whole of that campaign but has three already this time, and his first against Fulham was one of the goals of the season.

"Brentford are quite a stubborn team but Newcastle will take the game to them, and I can see them creating enough chances to win it.

"Bees striker Ivan Toney will have a point to prove going back to St James' Park - he is in my fantasy team, but he needs to pull his finger out if he is going to make a difference on Saturday."

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Brentford

Paul Merson

Similar to Sutton, former Arsenal forward Paul Merson also believes Newcastle have more than enough to beat Thomas Frank and co this weekend.

"Brentford are on a run of two games without a goal, while Newcastle United completely and utterly dismantled Fulham last weekend," said Sportskeeda pundit Merson.

"After Fulham went down to ten men, the Magpies made their man advantage count, fair play to them. They moved the ball around well and scored good goals, so Eddie Howe would've been really pleased as we often see teams who fail to capitalize on a sending off.

"The Arsenal result has knocked Brentford sideways, so I don't see them getting a positive result here. I fancy Newcastle to build on their good start to the season with a 2-1 win at home. If they get a top ten finish and an impressive cup run, it'll be a fantastic full season as manager for Howe, who hasn't done much wrong since joining the club under the new owners.

"Newcastle have a lot of work to do, but if they keep their players fit and revitalize their squad with a couple of fresh faces in January, they could be a force to be reckoned with."

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Brentford

Lewis Jones

Sky Sports tipster Lewis Jones reckons Newcastle will play out a draw with Brentford this weekend at St James' Park.

"So, Newcastle did it again. Making me look stupid as they banged home four goals in a game as soon as I bring up their long-term chance creation issues," wrote Sky Sports tipster Jones.

"I'm not even going to go there this week. Fabian Schar rates as a promising punt to let fly from outside the area against such a deep defensive line like Brentford's.

"Thomas Frank's team like to protect their centre-backs when out of possession and allow plenty of space for central players to take shots from distance.

"Only two teams have conceded more shots on their goal from outside the box from open play this season than the Bees (49) with 17 of those hitting the target.

"Schar - a centre-back who is a great technician and has an eye for goal from range - has already scored twice from outside the box since Eddie Howe took charge, against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

"And he's had six shots from outside the box this season in seven appearances, showcasing his willingness to add to his tally. The 9/2 with Sky Bet for him to hit the target from outside the box looks a good option - as does the 25/1 for him to score via a shot from this range."

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Brentford

SCORE PREDICTION: 1-1

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