Newcastle United return to action for the first time since that historic Carabao Cup final victory two and a half weeks ago as they face Brentford in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

First-choice left-back Lewis Hall and fellow defender Sven Botman are still missing through injury, while star winger Anthony Gordon will have to watch from the sidelines again as he serves the last of his three-match suspension.

Brentford come into the game unbeaten in their last five Premier League away matches and the Bees will be looking to move within three points of the European places.

Sports News Blitz writer Dylan Richardson assesses the five key battles on the pitch that could be decisive of victory at St James’ Park.