It was the same old for Brentford, as they went down to another defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The loss against Mikel Arteta's side made it six league defeats in seven since the start of the new year, and games don't come much bigger than the visit of Eddie Howe's rejuvenated Newcastle this weekend.
Along with Liverpool, the Magpies have yet to taste defeat this calendar year with confidence sky at the moment.
We spoke to Chief Newcastle writer Lee Ryder from the Chronicle to get the lowdown on Eddie Howe's side ahead of Saturday.
Newcastle's form in 2022 has been solid, with them and Liverpool being the only unbeaten sides so far. What has Eddie Howe done to transform Newcastle's season?
Eddie Howe didn't get off to the dream start and there was no new manager bounce so it has been down to hard work on the training ground, and Howe trying implement his play book into the squad.
So far that is working but there has also been a feel good factor around the place.
The six games unbeaten is down to hard work in my opinion.
Brentford have been in horrendous form at the moment with six defeats in seven league games; does this play right into Howe's hands?
This is a dangerous fixture because it's so easy to assume that Brentford's bad form will continue. But bad form doesn't go on forever.
I think Brentford started the season well and that excitement from promotion carried them through the first few months before a bit of reality kicked in.
But I think they will gradually pick up results again.
Newcastle need to wary of this fixture.
Who has been the standout performer(s) for Newcastle this season?
There have been a few but since Joelinton dropped back into midfield he's been a revelation.
He may not have a lot of goals to his name but he's certainly making the most impact in matches.
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What weaknesses could Brentford look to exploit?
The biggest one could be Newcastle's attitude on the day, if they go into thinking it will be easy pickings they could get unstuck.
Brentford need to surprise Newcastle with a strong start.
Score prediction?
I think Newcastle will pick up a 2-1 win but it will be hard earned.
