Newcastle United face a crucial Premier League clash against Brentford today, and Eddie Howe must make bold decisions if the Magpies are to regain momentum.
Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, Newcastle now sit with four losses in their opening ten games, leaving Howe frustrated with a side he described as “unrecognisable.”
One player in particular has struggled to make an impact, with Joelinton failing to assert himself in midfield as he has in previous seasons. The Brazilian, once dominant in the heart of Newcastle’s play, has drifted through games recently, lacking the influence required to control matches and protect the team’s structure.
A trip to Brentford is notoriously difficult. Under Keith Andrews, the Bees have defied expectations with impressive home victories, including wins against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Newcastle will need their midfielders firing on all cylinders to match Brentford’s intensity, and the contest in central areas is likely to be decisive. Howe fielded Joelinton alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes in the midweek 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club, which lifted spirits at St James’ Park after the West Ham defeat.
Joelinton even scored the second goal, earning some respite from criticism, but a single performance should not shield him from scrutiny, particularly against a Brentford side capable of pressing relentlessly and exploiting any lapses in energy or positioning.
Joelinton earns £187,000 per week, yet Newcastle cannot afford to let form dictate selection alone. His recent performances suggest that the Magpies need a fresh spark in midfield, someone who can impose themselves on the game and provide dynamism both defensively and offensively.
That player could be Jacob Ramsey. The English midfielder joined Newcastle from Aston Villa in the summer for £40 million and, despite only starting once in the Premier League so far, has recovered from an early-season ankle injury and is ready to contribute.
Ramsey offers energy, versatility, and the ability to press opponents while maintaining composure on the ball. His direct running and attacking intelligence can disrupt teams like Brentford, who thrive in transition and rely on quick, incisive passing from their playmakers, notably Mikkel Damsgaard.
Ramsey’s inclusion could allow Newcastle to match Brentford’s intensity while adding threat in forward transitions. He can cover multiple positions, linking midfield to attack and offering Howe tactical flexibility.
Against a side that excels on the counter, having a midfielder capable of breaking lines, contesting possession, and contributing to forward moves will be vital.
Howe himself praised Ramsey upon signing, highlighting the midfielder’s versatility and direct attacking threat, noting that Ramsey had proven his ability to perform at the highest level in recent seasons and would be an asset to Newcastle’s ambitions.
By starting Ramsey in place of Joelinton, Howe could inject urgency and purpose into Newcastle’s midfield. Joelinton’s recent form suggests he lacks the energy to impose himself against a high-intensity Brentford side, and maintaining him risks repeating the shortcomings seen against West Ham.
Ramsey’s dynamism could help neutralise key threats, improve pressing efficiency, and provide Newcastle with more effective support for both Tonali and Guimaraes.
The choice to replace Joelinton with Ramsey is not just about form it’s a tactical adjustment that addresses Newcastle’s current vulnerabilities.
Brentford’s midfielders, including Jordan Henderson and Damsgaard, have proven capable of dominating games, and Newcastle cannot afford to be second-best in the battle for possession or transitions.
Ramsey’s arrival could rebalance the team, provide energy, and create opportunities to exploit spaces behind Brentford’s midfield. With the Magpies desperate to end their away-day struggles and reignite their Premier League campaign, Howe must be brave, trust his summer signing, and give Ramsey the chance to assert himself from the first whistle.
A starting XI featuring Ramsey in place of Joelinton could provide the spark Newcastle desperately needs to return to winning ways. The midfielder’s energy, versatility, and ability to drive the team forward make him the ideal candidate to refresh Newcastle’s midfield and offer Howe a plan to neutralise Brentford’s threats while creating opportunities on the break.
This is a chance for the Magpies to reset, reclaim momentum, and remind the league of their quality. Joelinton’s spell on the sidelines could give him the time to regain form, while Ramsey’s introduction could be the catalyst Newcastle needs to re-establish their identity and press for points in a critical period of the season.
