Dwight Gayle makes it 20 goals and puts Newcastle ahead but worries for Rafa as his star striker forced off injured.

Rafa Benitez “No, I had done my research…”

The wheels haven’t fallen off for Rafa Benitez, more a case of his team hitting a few more potholes of late.

Harlee Dean “Newcastle have Premier League players all over the pitch so it is about us turning up and being 110% on the day.”

Brentford fans look forward to the visit of Newcastle: ‘Biggest occasion league wise of the season as far as I’m concerned. Now it’s a proper midwinter Saturday 3pm game.’

Brentford boss Dean Smith “What Rafa Benitez has done with Newcastle in the Championship has been admirable.”

David Prutton “Shelvey brings the best out of Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle. He’s absolutely imperative to the way they play.”

Brentford v Newcastle tickets go back on sale after fixture sees date changed at short notice.

With 14 of their 32 goals and scoring in 6 of their 9 wins, the absence of Scott Hogan would/will be a massive help to Newcastle United.

New depths have been managed by Sky Sports with the decision to provisionally show Brentford v Newcastle.