It may have only been 11 months ago but since Brentford's last visit to St James' Park so much has changed on Tyneside.
This was a day that was supposed to be a dream occasion for Eddie Howe but it turned into a nightmare for the Toon boss as he went down with Covid on the eve of the game. It meant Howe watched on via video link from his Hilton hotel room and Jason Tindall was left in charge on the sidelines.
A ding dong encounter unravelled as Newcastle went ahead through Jamaal Lascelles before Ivan Toney equalised. United then fell behind as Rico Henry scored before Joelinton made it 2-2 - and after Lascelles scored an own goal it was down to Allan Saint-Maximin to net the leveller.
Howe's team sheet this time around could have changed dramatically compared to last November's 3-3 draw with a different captain expected and a different formation. Despite Howe's absence that day he had opted to go with a 3-4-3 formation while Jamaal Lascelles wore the captain's armband.
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A £200million spending spree has unfolded at Newcastle meaning the quality Howe has to choose from is significantly better than the day of the six-goal thriller. Howe lined up with Karl Darlow in goal against the Bees that day with Martin Dubravka injured.
However, Dubravka is now on loan at Manchester United while Darlow is in the treatment room. Although the reality is neither would have played this time anyway with England's current number 1 Nick Pope established as United's glove man these days.
Howe's defence from that afternoon is also unrecognisable with his three-man rearguard having just one survivor in Fabian Schar. Ciaran Clark has left and Lascelles now can't get a game.
In midfield, Jacob Murphy started that day and the game coincides with him winning his place back but that could easily change given the re-emergence of Allan Saint-Maximin. Jonjo Shelvey is out injured - and started last time - while Matt Ritchie is also no longer a regular starter. It means that only Joe Willock could start this weekend.
The attack is perhaps the most similar in terms of players used by Howe. Although, Joelinton, who was a right-sided attacker, in the front three. Joelinton, who missed the game at Fulham with a knee injury, is now regarded as a midfielder which marks another huge change.
Callum Wilson and Saint-Maximin, who scored, were also in the line-up. Howe's teamsheet this weekend could easily have up to six or seven changes to it. The £200million investment of the new owners means Howe can rely on stars like Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Pope.
Then there is the fact that Sean Longstaff and Miguel Almiron are in great form going into the weekend. Longstaff didn't start in the 3-3 draw while Almiron took time to win Howe over and had to wait for his chance.
Howe will be back in the dugout this weekend and as ever will keep his plans closely guarded but if anybody wondered how much progress the Magpies were making they need only compare the first team sheet from the ex-Bournemouth boss to this weekend.
Newcastle's last starting XI vs Brentford: Darlow; Schar, Lascelles, Clark; Murphy, Willock, Shelvey, Ritchie; Joelinton, Saint-Maximin; Wilson
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