I asked AI to predict Newcastle United v Brentford in the Premier League - and here's the surprise result

Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society. Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction.

Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict Premier League football results. So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United take on Brentford in the Premier League at St James’ Park. Will the Magpies carry a Carabao Cup celebrations hangover or will they keep riding the Wembley wave and drive on towards the Champions League? Here’s what Grok thinks about tonight.

The context

It says: "As of March 24, 2025, Newcastle United have played 28 matches (one game postponed against Crystal Palace), while most other teams have played 29. Based on earlier projections and web information, Newcastle are likely in sixth place with 47 points, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who hold the final Champions League spot. Their recent 2-1 EFL Cup final win over Liverpool on March 16 has boosted morale, ending a 70-year trophy drought for the club. However, their league form has been inconsistent, with nine wins in their last 13 Premier League games but losses in three of their last five, including a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in late February."

On the opposition, it continues: "Brentford, meanwhile, are in 11th place with 41 points after 29 games, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. They’ve been a revelation on the road, winning their last five Premier League away matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just twice in 2025. Their most recent league win was a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, with Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard scoring. However, Brentford have a historically poor record at St. James’ Park, with only one win (in 1934) and eight losses in their last nine visits, including a 3-1 defeat in the EFL Cup quarter-final in December."

Team News: Newcastle United v Brentford

Grok thinks Alexander Isak, unsurprisingly, with skipper Bruno Guimaraes, will be key.

It said: "Eddie Howe’s side are coming off the high of their EFL Cup triumph, but injuries and suspensions pose challenges. Anthony Gordon - 6 goals this season - is suspended, while defenders Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Lewis Hall are sidelined. Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, who has covered the most distance in the league at 310.9 km, will be key. Newcastle’s probable lineup includes Nick Pope in goal, a backline of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Valentino Livramento, a midfield of Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, and attackers Jacob Murphy, Isak, and Harvey Barnes.

When it comes to Brentford, the AI tool thinks injuries could be a factor for the opposition. It says: "Thomas Frank’s squad is dealing with multiple injuries. Fabio Carvalho, Joshua Dasilva, Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, and Rico Henry are out, while Michael Kayode is available after a recent absence. Mathias Jensen’s status is uncertain due to illness. Yoane Wissa has been in fine form, scoring 14 goals with a 47.6% shots-on-target ratio, averaging 1.28 shots on target per game. Brentford’s probable lineup features Mark Flekken in goal, a defense of Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Pinnock, Ethan Collins, and Christian Norgaard, midfielders Vitaly Janelt, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Schade, and forwards Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, and Keane Lewis-Potter.

Form and Statistics: Newcastle United v Brentford

When it comes to form, it is keen to point out the Magpies, despite their remarkable cup performances have been inconsistent - and that can't be ignored. It says: "Newcastle have been inconsistent at home, losing three of their last five league games at St. James’ Park but winning seven of their last 10 overall. They average 1.85 goals per home game, but their defence has been leaky, managing only four clean sheets in 18 appearances with Nick Pope in goal. They’ve dropped a league-low seven points from winning positions but have recovered 18 points from losing positions, second only to Liverpool (19).

"Brentford’s away form is exceptional, with five consecutive Premier League away wins—the longest such streak in the 2024/25 season. They average 1.43 goals per away game and have scored in 11 of their 14 away matches. However, their defence has managed only five clean sheets in 29 league games, and they’ve never kept a clean sheet at St. James’ Park. Matches between these teams are typically high-scoring, averaging 4.33 goals in their last six encounters, with both teams scoring in 73% of those games.

Tactical Analysis: Newcastle United v Brentford

It says: "Newcastle will likely adopt an attacking approach, leveraging their home crowd and the momentum from their EFL Cup win. Isak’s finishing and Guimaraes’ work rate will be crucial, but their defence may struggle against Brentford’s counter-attacking threat, led by Wissa and Mbeumo. Brentford’s high-pressing, transitional style has been lethal on the road, but their injury-hit squad and historical struggles at St. James’ Park could hinder them. The game is likely to be open, with both teams’ defensive frailties suggesting goals at both ends."

Prediction: Newcastle United v Brentford?

Grok thinks this there will be goals, but it won't three points for the Magpies. It says: "Given the trends, this match promises goals. Newcastle’s home advantage and historical edge give them a slight edge, but Brentford’s away form makes them dangerous. I predict a high-scoring draw, reflecting the attacking quality and defensive vulnerabilities on both sides.

Newcastle United 2-2 Brentford

Scorers: Isak and Barnes for Newcastle; Wissa and Mbeumo for Brentford.

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