Eddie Howe expects fall after thrilling Liverpool draw

Eddie Howe says his Newcastle players will suffer a “steep” comedown after their thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool as they prepare to face Brentford.

Fabian Schar's 90th-minute equalizer earned the Magpies a deserved point against the Premier League leaders on Wednesday after leading twice at St James' Park.

The result ended an eight-game winning streak for the Reds, with the Toon putting in a performance that should encourage them in the weeks to come.

“Before the Liverpool game the players would have felt the pinnacle of the game – certainly as a player I felt that,” Howe said ahead of the trip to the Bees on Saturday.

“After any game there is always a downhill slide, but I think it will be difficult after the Liverpool game.

“Our challenge this weekend is to find a way to achieve the same level of intensity and mental quality that we showed on Wednesday.”

Attitude is key

The Toon have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games, with Brentford coming into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

Thomas Frank's men have looked a different team at home, however, winning six and drawing seven at the Gtech Communit Stadium this season.

Howe wants to see his players approach the game in west London with a similar attitude to that which they produced on Wednesday.

He added: “As always, it’s attitude. Attitude is essential for any team. Against Liverpool, you saw the good attitude, the good mental preparation of the players.

“When we entered the field, I had no doubt, in the first exchanges of the match, we were in a good position; very good energy, biting in the midfield, desire to win the ball, really good in duels.

“Little by little, when you are good in these small areas, your overall performance seems different.

“Athletically, I thought we looked really good; the running speed of our top players, the fighting qualities of our midfield against a top team. Especially in the first half, I felt like we won that battle.

It's important to start well

Brentford are known for scoring goals early in the season and Howe knows his side will need to start the game well to have a chance.

The Toon boss added: “Whenever you go away from home, the intention you set for yourself is key. The first exchanges give you many clues as to how the game will play out. You have to start well.

“Brentford scored a lot of goals early on – we are well aware of that. They're still a very good team, so we'll have to be on our toes.

Team News: Botman and Trippier improving but still out

Howe says injured defender Kieran Trippier is 'improving', while providing an update on centre-back Sven Botman.

He said: “He is fine. Now it's all about rhythm for Sven. It’s about recovering this dynamic of the game, the geography of the field; things he would normally do on autopilot, he has to rediscover how to do them.

“It’s been a big boost to have him in training. He's a big guy, a big presence and we certainly missed him.