Thomas Frank makes ‘best’ St James’ Park claim ahead of Newcastle United v Brentford

Brentford manager Thomas Frank says Newcastle United’s St James’ Park is ‘maybe the best’ home stadium in the Premier League.

The Bees have twice played on Tyneside under Frank. The first was in November 2021 - the Magpies’ first home match under Eddie Howe - which ended in a 3-3 draw. The last meeting in October saw United emerge as 5-1 winners.

“We know that St James’ Park is one of the best home grounds... maybe the best,” the Danish boss said during his pre-match press conference. “Of course, there’s the Gtech! But, to be fair, they have a fair few more fans up there. It’s a game we are looking forward to.”

Frank’s side travel to the North East hoping to inflict a fourth straight defeat on Newcastle.

A brace from Alexander Isak and goals from Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes earned United a 5-1 win on the opening day against Aston Villa but since then have lost to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brentford, meanwhile, are yet to lose this season. They’ve beaten Fulham and drawn with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

“Newcastle United have done very well, they had a fantastic season last year,” Frank said. “Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have done a top job.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is fantastic in many ways. I think it was fully deserved.

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“I don’t think they have got the results they will have wanted in the first four games and I’ve watched all four games through and they were very tight; they could have easily got more out of them than they did.”

“They are a very dynamic, physical, high-intensity team and they’re good at set-pieces as well – they’re a very difficult team to play against.