Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, where they face a Brentford side sitting a place above them in the table.
Eddie Howe’s side head into the match fresh from a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, where headers from Dan Burn and Joelinton earned them a third straight win in Europe.
That display restored some pride after their poor 3-1 defeat to West Ham United last weekend, which highlighted their inconsistency.
Newcastle’s problem has been their away form. They have not won any of their last eight Premier League matches on the road and are one of only four teams yet to claim an away victory this season.
Howe knows that has to change if his side are to avoid drifting towards the relegation picture.
Brentford suffered a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, ending a three-game winning run that had lifted them into mid-table.
The Bees have impressed many people this season after losing key figures in the summer, and their performances have been more assured at home against non-London sides.
They have won five of their last six home league games against teams from outside the capital, a trend they will look to extend against a Newcastle side that has struggled on its travels.
This fixture brought joy for Brentford last season, when they claimed a 4-2 win at the Gtech, although Newcastle have since beaten them twice at St James’ Park.
Howe will hope the midweek momentum carries over to domestic duty, but his team cannot take this one for granted.
