Early team news from St James’ Park – Eddie Howe set to make FIVE changes vs Brentford
With the dreaded international break finally out the way, Premier League football finally returns at St James’ Park as we take on Brentford at 5.30pm.
As we edge closer to kick-off, here’s the side expected to start today’s game:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson – Gordon, Wilson, Barnes.
IN: Botman, Longstaff, Anderson, Barnes, Wilson – OUT: Targett, Tonali, Joelinton, Almiron, Isak.
Botman will return from an ankle injury, meaning Targett drops out and Burn moves to left-back. In midfield, Sandro Tonali (thigh) won’t be risked and Joelinton needs additional treatment on his knee after struggling at Brighton, seeing Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson come in alongside Bruno Guimaraes.
There’s also two changes in attack, as Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson replace Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron; who are presumably being saved for Milan on Tuesday.
Predicted Brentford XI: Flekken – Hickey, Pinnock, Mee, Henry – Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt – Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade.
