Newcastle United’s matchday squad could remain unchanged for the visit to Brentford this afternoon.

The Magpies return to the capital just seven days after their last visit, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Eddie Howe’s side were heavily criticised for their performance having failed to register a shot at goal.

However, United responded in a positive manner on Wednesday night by holding Premier League leaders Liverpool to a 3-3 draw.

Howe named one change to his starting XI, recalling Jacob Murphy in place of Joe Willock. On the bench, Matt Targett replaced Kieran Trippier.

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Trippier had returned to the fold last week after seven weeks out with a hamstring issue. He appeared as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United but didn’t make it off the bench at Palace

For the visit of Liverpool, Trippier missed out altogether through illness. Asked if he’d be involved against the Bees, Howe replied: “Yeah, he’s improving. We’ll see today [Friday].”

Howe revealed Sven Botman is now only a “few weeks” away from returning after nine months out with an ACL injury. Jamaal Lascelles, who sustained the same injury not long after the Dutchman, is little behind.

Elsewhere, Emil Krafth is fighting to return before the end of the year. The Sweden international broke his collarbone in the build-up to the 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest.

In the Brentford camp, manager Thomas Frank hopes to have Christian Norgaard and Kristoffer Ajer back available.

Norgaard missed the midweek defeat at Aston Villa, while Ajer has been absent since October due to a foot injury.

“I’m still very hopeful that Norgaard will be available,” said Frank. “He trained today on the pitch, so that’s positive. Kristoffer Ajer [trained] as well. I’m more positive that Norgaard will be involved than Ajer.”

Mathias Jensen (hamstring), Gustavo Nunes (back), Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (hamstring) and Josh Dasilva (knee) remain sidelined.