Chris Sutton and Paul Merson agree over Newcastle United’s ‘must-win’ game with Brentford

Former Premier League stars Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have agreed over their predictions for Newcastle United’s home game against Brentford.

The two sides are in contrasting form ahead of Saturday’s evening’s St James Park clash as the Magpies look to end their three-match losing streak after emerging empty-handed from a home game with Liverpool and away days at Manchester City and Brighton.

The Bees will travel to Tyneside aiming to preserve their unbeaten record for the season after drawing three and winning one of their opening four games of the campaign. History is against the visitors as they head to St James Park looking to claim only a second away win over the Magpies and their first since 1934.

Former Arsenal and Middlesbrough forward Merson believes Thomas Frank’s men will provide ‘a threat’ to Newcastle - but he is confident Eddie Howe’s side can emerge with all three points for only the second time this season.

He told Sportskeeda: “This game has suddenly become a must-win for Newcastle United if they want to better or match what they achieved last season.

“Look how quickly things can change in football! If they fail to win this one, securing a place in the top four could become an issue as they’d have gathered just three or four points from five games, which is a measly return for a club with lofty ambitions.

“Brentford are a threat and have a lot of quality up front - but the Magpies are a tough nut to crack at home and should win this one.”

Former Premier League winner Sutton also believes the fixture is of the upmost importance for the Magpies - but he backed Howe’s men to ‘kickstart’ their season by claiming a big win on Saturday evening.

Writing in his BBC Sport Predictions column, the former Chelsea striker said: “This is a big game for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after his side’s run of three straight defeats.

“Brentford are one of the worst teams to be facing in a situation like this - they are so well organised and also extremely dangerous when they come forward. But you know what? I actually think this will bring the best out of Newcastle and this will be the day when they click again.

“They put five goals past the Bees last time they came to St James’ Park, and I think they are going to demolish them this time too, and kickstart their season.”