Newcastle United expected starting XI v Brentford: New signing starts as £187m worth of talent drop out - gallery

Newcastle United’s expected starting XI v Brentford. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Newcastle United’s expected starting XI v Brentford. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Newcastle United return to Premier League action after the two-week international break - and Eddie Howe is expected to ring the changes for the visit of Brentford this evening (kick-off 5:30pm).

The Magpies have endured a tough start to the Premier League campaign. After hammering Aston Villa 5-1 on the opening day at St James’ Park, Howe’s men have fallen to defeats against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.

United, however, are hoping to get back on track against Thomas Frank’s Brentford, who are unbeaten in their opening four matches.

GK: Nick Pope
GK: Nick Pope

And given a mix of injuries and selection dilemmas ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash in AC Milan, Howe is ready to make some surprise calls.

Starting in defence, Howe is expected to have Sven Botman to select from again after the Dutchman missed the last game due to an ankle injury.

The new-look midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton has come under review during the break. With suggestions that the latter two are carrying injuries, Sean Longstaff is in line for a recall.

And in attack, Callum Wilson is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench on the South Coast, while Harvey Barnes is seeking his full debut following his £38million summer move from Leicester City.

RB: Kieran Trippier
RB: Kieran Trippier

Here’s how Newcastle United are expected to line-up v Brentford:

CB: Fabian Schar
CB: Fabian Schar
CB: Sven Botman (in for Matt Targett)
CB: Sven Botman (in for Matt Targett)
LB: Dan Burn
LB: Dan Burn
CM: Bruno Guimaraes
CM: Bruno Guimaraes
CM: Sean Longstaff (in for Sandro Tonali)
CM: Sean Longstaff (in for Sandro Tonali)
CM: Elliot Anderson (in for Joelinton)
CM: Elliot Anderson (in for Joelinton)
RW: Anthony Gordon
RW: Anthony Gordon
LW: Harvey Barnes (in for Miguel Almiron)
LW: Harvey Barnes (in for Miguel Almiron)
ST: Callum Wilson (in for Alexander Isak)
ST: Callum Wilson (in for Alexander Isak)