Newcastle United – Brentford

Fans won’t see an abundance of goals in the quarter-final encounter

One of the most evenly matched English League Cup quarter-final matches is expected in Newcastle, where the neighbours in the Premier League standings will meet. As offensive as this fact may be to the Magpies, who represented England in the Champions League last year, but even their points tally is equal to that of the Bees. Not only that, Newcastle lost to Brentford in London a week and a half ago. And Howe's men conceded as many as four goals, scoring only two in return. Both opponents started their cup journey at the stage of 1/32 final. Newcastle immediately got a club from the Premier League, and the rivalry with Nottingham Forest ended only in a penalty shootout. In the next round, the Magpies got through Wimbledon by a single goal, playing with half of their main squad. The biggest obstacle came in Newcastle's way at the last stage, when they hosted Chelsea at home. "The Magpies did brilliantly, scoring two unanswered goals against the Blues. The tournament path of Brentford, compared to Newcastle, looks like an easy walk. First, the "bees" beat Colchester United on the field of the representative of the Second League, then at home undone with the team of the First League - Leyton Orient. Brentford did not fall opponent from the Premier League and at the last stage of the League Cup, but with Sheffield Wednesday in London had to participate in a penalty shootout. The playing form of the opponents for Wednesday's match looks roughly equal. Over the last month and a half, Newcastle have won three out of seven games, except for Brentford, losing to West Ham. In such a short period of time, the Magpies have beaten Arsenal and drawn with arguably the best team in Europe at the moment - Liverpool. Brentford has done slightly better over the past month and a half, winning three times. Note the fact that the "Bees" have never won three points away. The London team is not famous for a reliable game in defence, but in the den of a more status team it will be more cautious and careful in keeping the ball. As for Newcastle, this team needs to solve the issue in the League Cup with little blood in order to tone up for the series of Christmas matches, where the opponents will not be easy: Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham. We bet that the fans will not see a lot of goals.