Two teams with contrasting starts collide at St James' Park on Saturday as Newcastle host Brentford. The Magpies are looking to bounce back from successive defeats while the Bees are flying high.

Newcastle vs Brentford

The match will take place on Saturday, 16th September, 2023, at St. James’ Park, in Newcastle in Tyne, England.

Seagulls Expose Cracks in Magpies' Armour

Newcastle endured a chastening afternoon as Brighton blitzed them 3-1 at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls were simply irresistible, tearing through a disjointed Magpies side with ruthless attacking flair.

By the final whistle, the visitors were chasing shadows and looking desperately short of ideas against Brighton's relentless pressing.

Manager Eddie Howe will have major concerns after seeing his team carved open with alarming ease all over the pitch.

The alarm bells were ringing as early as the 10th minute when a poor Nick Pope clearance gifted Brighton the opening goal.

There was an element of fortune as the keeper fumbled Pascal Gross' drive from distance. But it set the tone for what followed.

All too often, Newcastle's defensive deficiencies were exploited by the youthful verve of Brighton's front line.

The outstanding Evan Ferguson barely put a foot wrong, netting a clinical hat-trick to leave the Magpies utterly shellshocked.

His second goal highlighted the space afforded to Brighton between Newcastle's midfield and defense.

When the hosts broke forward, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes struggled to provide protection. The absence of the anchor Sean Longstaff was glaring.

Out wide, Brighton's wing backs had a field day as Newcastle's wide men backed off rather than engaging them.

It allowed constant deliveries into the box where Newcastle's center backs were left exposed and outnumbered.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar won a few aerial battles, while Kieran Trippier missed the leadership of the suspended Sven Botman.

In midfield, Joelinton grafted tirelessly but lacked quality on the ball. New boy Sandro Tonali meanwhile looked off the pace before being hooked on the hour.

Up front, Callum Wilson battled gamely but feeding off scraps, he was often isolated. The recalled Allan Saint-Maximin flickered only briefly.

Toothless in attack and sliced apart defensively, Howe's men lacked ideas and urgency until it was too late.

The belated consolation from Wilson only served to paper over the cracks in a largely toothless display.

Howe was left with plenty to ponder after seeing his team fail to build any momentum or impose themselves.

The Magpies have hit a speed bump after last season's remarkable turnaround under the manager.

Of course, defeats to the likes of City, Liverpool and Brighton should not cause serious alarm just yet.

But the manner of the performances and lack of reaction are perhaps more concerning.

The imminent returns of Bruno Guimaraes and Jonjo Shelvey could add some creativity going forward.

Yet it's at the back where Howe must rediscover the solidity that proved the bedrock for their success.

On this evidence, Brighton's high press simply flushed Newcastle out with ease. It's back to the drawing board for Howe.

Bees Sting Cherries With Late Equalizer

Brentford showed their trademark resilience to snatch a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in a pulsating clash.

A last gasp goal from Bryan Mbeumo preserved the Bees' unbeaten start as they fought back twice against the Cherries.

Thomas Frank's energetic side dominated large stretches at the Community Stadium but lacked the cutting edge to make it count.

Brentford's high press and slick interplay carved Bournemouth open at will after the break. But profligate finishing cost them dear.

Frank will rue his side failing to make their superiority count during a one-sided second half.

The Bees began brightly with new boy Kevin Schade impressing down the left flank. His pace and direct running caused Bournemouth problems.

The opener came courtesy of an organized press to force an error. Mathias Jensen pounced on the loose ball to fire home from a tight angle.

Buoyed by the early goal, Brentford turned the screw with wing backs Henry and Hickey raiding forward relentlessly.

The chances flowed as Mbeumo and Wissa found pockets of space but lacked composure when it mattered.

Schade was inches away from doubling Brentford's lead with a fizzing effort against the post. It proved the turning point.

Against the run of play, Brentford switched off defensively allowing Solanke to level. It was a reminder of the fine margins at this level.

While Frank's half-time team talk focused on putting the foot back on the gas, it was the Cherries who struck decisively.

A momentary lapse from Henry allowed substitute Brooks to steal in and slot home what looked like the winner.

Stung into action, Brentford threw the kitchen sink at Bournemouth in search of another equalizer.

The fresh legs of Halilovic and Gilbert offered impetus as Brentford penned Bournemouth back.

Wissa twice went close as Brentford created a conveyor belt of chances with slick interplay and crosses into the box.

Yet wayward finishing looked to have cost them before Mbeumo popped up in the 93rd minute to snatch a point.

Brentford deserved more than a draw on the overall balance of play. This was a performance brimming with grit, endeavor and adventuresome attacking.

Frank will know his squad still lacks the ruthlessness and experience to kill off games when on top.

But the spirit and camaraderie on the show highlight everything positive about Brentford's project and culture.

Few teams embody the ethos of hard work and collective responsibility more than Frank's band of brothers.

The Dane has molded a tight-knit group who plays vibrant, progressive football while never knowing when they are beat.

That belief and resolve make Brentford more than the sum of their parts. It's why they can foot it with the Premier League's big boys.

This draw keeps the good vibes flowing at the new-look Brentford under Frank. The future remains bright for the Bees.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle: Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almirón

Brentford: Mark Flekken, Rico Henry, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, Aaron Hickey, Vitaly Janelt, Christian Nörgaard, Mathias Jensen, Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade, Bryan Mbeumo

Key Battles

Guimaraes v Janelt - Midfield generals clash in engine room duel

Isak v Pinnock - Striker's finesse meets defender's no-nonsense approach