Follow live coverage as Newcastle United face Brentford today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Newcastle United FC 2 - 1 Brentford FC
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:51The full-time whistle blows at St James’ Park as Newcastle strengthen their Champions League aspirations with a 2-1 win against Brentford in the Premier League. The Magpies headed into this game in a positive mood after their Carabao Cup success against Liverpool just before the international break. The hosts showed no signs of a cup final hangover in the first half as they dominated the Bees and deservedly led just before the half-time break thanks to Alexander Isak’s 20th Premier League goal of the season after some good work by Jacob Murphy down the right-hand side. The visitors responded well in the second half and drew level thanks to Bryan Mbeumo’s composed penalty after Nick Pope brought down Yoane Wissa in the box. However, the home side retook the lead after Sandro Tonali’s unstoppable strike from the tightest of angles flew past Mark Flekken at his near post. Thomas Frank’s side huffed and puffed for a late equaliser and were denied a late penalty after Bruno Guimaraes was involved in a late challenge with Mikkel Damsgaard. Eddie Howe’s side, however, held on for three valuable points to move into fifth place in the table, and only one point behind Manchester City in fourth. The visitors had a superior xG (1.59) compared to their opponents (1.43). Thanks for reading!
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:45FULL-TIME: NEWCASTLE 2-1 BRENTFORD
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:42Barnes is replaced by Miley late on for Newcastle.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:41DOUBLE CHANCE! Brentford should be level. First, a cut-back falls to Damsgaard in a brilliant position in the centre of the Newcastle box but he fires over the crossbar. The Bees then come forward again but Schade's diagonal shot is well saved by Pope. Newcastle are living on the edge in the final few minutes!
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:39Newcastle are looking to kill the game as Barnes unleashes a shot which deflects over the crossbar. Following that chance, Willock sees another effort easily saved by Flekken.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:36There will be eight minutes added on.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:35Trippier is replaced for the final few minutes as Krafth comes on.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:34BLOCK! Trippier's corner lands at the feet of Barnes but his low shot is charged down by a Brentford defender.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:32WIDE! Wilson is teed up by Joelinton on the left-hand side of the Brentford box but the substitute's shot takes a wicked deflection and bounces wide of Flekken's goal.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:28The second substitution sees Yarmoliuk come off for Maghoma.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:28Pinnock departs for Ajer as Brentford make a double change.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:26Collins and Willock are back on their feet and are able to continue after that stoppage in play.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:23OUCH! A painful collision in the Brentford box leaves both Collins and Wilson in need of treatment. That looked nasty on second viewing!
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:19Assist Harvey Lewis Barnes
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:18Goal Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:17Yellow Card Keane William Lewis-Potter
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:16OFF THE WOODWORK! Brentford very nearly make it 2-1. A cross comes in from the left-hand side and Pinnock rises highest but his header crashes onto the post. Newcastle are rocking at St James' Park!
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:14Yellow Card Fabian Lukas Schär
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:12PENALTY BRENTFORD! Newcastle's goalkeeper Pope comes out of his net to try to prevent Wissa getting a shot off but he sends the Brentford striker tumbling. He won't have any complaints with that one...
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:11Substitution Alexander Isak Callum Eddie Graham Wilson
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:11Substitution Jacob Kai Murphy Joseph George Willock
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:10CHANCE! Murphy drives into the Brentford box and has a great chance to shoot but is tackled. However, the cross still comes into the box but Barnes sees his effort fall straight into the arms of Flekken.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:10Penalty Goal Bryan Tetsadong Marceau Mbeumo
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:08Brentford are trying to pile some pressure on the Newcastle goal, but another attack comes to nothing as Van den Berg's cross from the right-hand side fails to find a teammate.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:05OVER! Newcastle take a short corner kick and the ball is worked to Murphy who is unmarked on the edge of the area. The forward decides to curl an effort, but the shot is high and wide. That was never going to trouble Flekken.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:03Substitution Vitaly Janelt Mikkel Krogh Damsgaard
Newcastle United vs Brentford
21:02DANGER! A Brentford cross-shot has Pope scrambling as the Newcastle goalkeeper tries to get across to his near post. The ball is spilled initially but Pope gathers at the second attempt.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:58INJURY! Newcastle midfielder Joelinton goes down with the Brazilian struggling with his knee. However, the physio has worked his magic and it seems he will be okay to continue which will be a relief to every Geordie fan.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:55There's chaos in the Newcastle penalty area after a long throw from Schade is launched into the box. There's a scramble but Newcastle get the ball away before they launch a quick counter attack which comes to nothing after Isak brings down Lewis-Potter.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:53CHANCE! Newcastle are straight on the attack in the second half. This time, Joelinton bursts through midfield before Barnes tries to tee up Isak, but the ball bounces back to the winger but his low effort is lashed wide of goal.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:51We are back underway for the second half.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:46Newcastle’s dominance in the first half was reflected through an xG of 0.94, while Brentford in comparison struggled in the final third as highlighted through an xG of 0.24.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:43The half-time whistle blows at St James’ Park as Newcastle head into the break 1-0 up against Brentford thanks to Alexander Isak’s 20th Premier League goal of the season. The Magpies have shown no signs of a Carabao Cup hangover in the first half with the hosts creating a number of chances in front of their home fans. It was Isak, who gave them the lead in the final few seconds of the first half after he prodded home past Flekken after some good play from Jacob Murphy down the right-hand side. The Opta predictor has the home side as overwhelming favourites to take the three points from here with a 73% chance, while Thomas Frank’s Bees have a minimal 8% chance of coming from behind and winning.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:37HALF-TIME: NEWCASTLE 1-0 BRENTFORD
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:35GOAL DISALLOWED! Isak produces some nifty footwork to get past Collins before chipping over Flekken and into the path of Barnes, who heads into an empty net. However, the Newcastle winger was in an offside position and the goal is ruled out! Why didn't Isak shoot himself?!
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:33Goal Alexander Isak
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:30CHANCE! Schar finds himself in acres of space in the middle of the park. The Switzerland international decides to shoot from 25-yards out but his effort hits Isak and bounces out for a Brentford goal kick.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:28Isak looks to make things happen in the Brentford penalty area, as the Sweden international wins a corner kick for his side after some good link up play. However, the set piece comes to nothing as Brentford clear their lines.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:26Newcastle have dropped a league-low seven points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, while only league leaders Liverpool (19) have recovered more from losing positions in the competition this term coming into this matchday than the Magpies (18).
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:25BLOCK! Brentford break forward in numbers and the ball finds Wissa but his effort is charged down by Schar before Mbeumo's follow-up is blocked as well.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:23It's been an entertaining first half at St James' Park but the scoreline remains goalless as we approach the final 10 minutes before half-time. Can either side get themselves ahead?
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:22CLOSE! Another Newcastle chance. This time, it's good combination play from the hosts as Joelinton and Guimaraes work the ball well before Barnes is teed up for a shot but his effort whistles narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:17BLOCK! The hosts are probing the Brentford defence once more as they look for an opening. There's a scramble in the box, and the ball works it's way to Tonali but his drive from distance is charged down bravely by Collins.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:14Brentford have looked a threat on the counter attack but the visitors have struggled to create any clear cut chances at St James' Park in the opening 25 minutes.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:11CHANCE! Murphy nicks the ball off Pinnock and starts a Newcastle counter attack. The forward feeds Isak, who marauds forward before unleashing a powerful drive which flies a few yards over the Brentford crossbar.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:10Brentford are growing into this game as the minutes tick by with Mbeumo and Schade looking a threat on the counter attack. It's been an entertaining opening 20 minutes in Tyneside.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:07It's been a bright start to the game from Bruno Guimaraes with the Brazilian looking to orchestrate some goalscoring chances for his team. The Newcastle midfielder has won 92 fouls in the Premier League this season, at least 34 more than any other player. In the competition (from 2003-04), among players with 5,000+ minutes, only Jack Grealish (3.8) and Wilfried Zaha (3.1) have won more fouls per 90 than the former Lyon man (3.0).
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:04AMAZING DEFENDING! Mbeumo is starting to cause the Newcastle defence a number of problems. The Brentford forward eases past Tonali before whipping a teasing delivery from the right-hand side but Trippier does superbly to divert it behind for a corner before Schade can head home.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
20:01In the last few minutes, Brentford have started to get a foothold in this game with the Bees winning back to back set pieces, however Newcastle's defence stands firm and they win a free-kick after some pushing and shoving in the Magpies penalty box.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:58WIDE! Newcastle are inches away from taking the lead. This time, Joelinton ghosts into the Brentford box before taking a neat touch and firing just past Flekken's left-hand post. That was close from the Brazilian!
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:57OFFSIDE! This time Guimaraes looks to make things happen in the middle of the park as the Newcastle midfielder slides in Isak but the Sweden international is immediately flagged offside. That was the correct decision.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:55CLOSE! Newcastle are on the attack once again as Barnes this time, breaks forward on the left-hand side before crossing dangerously into the box. However, Lewis-Potter wins his header, just before Murphy can close in. The game comes to a halt with Trippier taking a clearance in the face.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:53It's been a rapid start from Newcastle with the hosts showing no signs of a Carabao Cup final hangover early on. Brentford have struggled to get out of their own half in the opening few minutes with Thomas Frank pushing his side to maintain possession of the ball.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:51WHAT A CHANCE! Newcastle break forward with intent in the opening few minutes at St James' Park. Livramento does well to beat Van den Berg on the left-hand side before crossing into the box but Isak's downward header bounces past the post. That should have been 1-0.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:47We are underway at St James' Park.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:44The teams are in the tunnel and kick-off will commence shortly in Tyneside. Having lost their first ever home league match against Brentford 5-2 in September 1934, Newcastle are now unbeaten in their last six against them at St. James’ Park (W5 D1).
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15Meanwhile, Thomas Frank makes two changes from the Brentford team who defeated Bournemouth over a fortnight ago. Yehor Yarmoliuk and Sepp van den Berg come into the starting XI, with Mikkel Damsgaard and Kristoffer Ajer dropping to the bench. Right-back Michael Kayode is among the substitutes having recovered from a knee injury, but midfielder Mathias Jensen misses out through illness. Yoane Wissa has scored in three of Brentford’s last four Premier League games, including both of their last two away from home. The only player to score in three successive away appearances for the Bees in the competition is Kevin Schade, who did so from January-February this season.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15Eddie Howe names an unchanged team from Newcastle's Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool before the international break. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy start in attack alongside star forward Alexander Isak while in midfield Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes all feature. Isak has scored 19 Premier League goals this season – nine at home and 10 away. The only Newcastle players to score 10+ goals both home and away in a season in the competition are Andrew Cole (1993-94) and Alan Shearer (2001-02).
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15BRENTFORD SUBS: Hakon Valdimarsson, Ben Mee, Kristoffer Ajer, Mikkel Damsgaard, Yunus Konak, Paris Maghoma, Michael Kayode, Kim Ji-Soo, Iwan Morgan.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1): Mark Flekken; Keane Lewis-Potter, Ethan Pinnock, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg; Vitaly Janelt, Christian Norgaard; Kevin Schade, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Bryan Mbeumo; Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15NEWCASTLE SUBS: Martin Dubravka, Callum Wilson, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier; Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes; Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15Meanwhile, visitors Brentford head to Tyneside aiming to extend their record-breaking winning streak on the road. The Bees are in good form after picking up three wins and a draw from their previous four outings, including a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth just before the international break. Thomas Frank’s outfit still harbour outside hopes of gatecrashing the European places, with the west Londoners four points adrift of local rivals Fulham who sit in eighth.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15Hosts Newcastle return to action against Brentford after concluding their Carabao Cup celebrations following the 2-1 victory against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley. The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for major silverware against Arne Slot’s side a fortnight ago, and now will switch their attention on securing Champions League football for next season. The hosts are just two points behind Chelsea in fourth and know that even fifth place could be enough to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition in 2025/2026.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
19:15Hello and welcome to live coverage of this Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United vs Brentford
17:45Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
