What’s been the story of Newcastle’s season so far?
It's been a real case of showing some class and respecting the division rather than just expecting to be nailed on for promotion. Rafa Benitez has helped the group do that brilliantly and in fairness the league table tells its own story. Many people say Newcastle should be running away with it, but why should they? This is a hard division to play in and there's probably 15 teams in it who feel they have a chance of getting to the play-offs alone. If Newcastle finish second this season it will still be a good achievement for a club that were relegated last May.
Newcastle have suffered four defeats in eight, what’s been behind the recent wobble?
A combination of things really but nothing that should have a long-term impact. The two red cards at Nottingham Forest were wrong and overturned, but that cost at least a point at the City Ground. The defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday came about on a night when Newcastle were probably outfought and in the end out-thought. United's loss at Blackburn was a strange one as they created plenty of chances and had 25 shots, Blackburn had one real chance and took it, but that's the Championship, Newcastle need to keep pushing.
Jonjo Shelvey was a key player in the meeting at St James’ Park, how much of a miss has he been in recent weeks?
A big miss really. You like to think that you aren't a one man team but Shelvey's strength, skill and height - and influence in the dressing room - is a big factor. He was only playing regularly for England last season so he's a top notch player to have in the Championship. He will be back next game and that will be a huge lift for all concerned.
Six points above the chasing pack, are fans still confident of promotion this season?
I think you've got to be really, but it depends largely on those beneath Newcastle. Can they keep the pace? There's still a small gap but Newcastle would need to keep losing and a challenger would need to keep winning. Reading and Huddersfield are up there at the moment but they've also not had it all their own way this term. If Newcastle can get back into the same rhythm they were in before Christmas, they have every chance.
There have been some huge away followings and newer teams to play this season, how much fun has this season been for the fans?
The thing is with the Newcastle fans is they back their team everywhere. Newcastle's attendance at away games depends on how many tickets they get. They took almost 7,000 to Ewood Park for example and sell out most places. That all makes for a great atmosphere and many fans have taken this opportunity to tick off a few grounds of their list. For me this is the first time I've been to Brentford so hopefully it's a good experience.
Do you expect the club to do much business this month? What areas might Newcastle be looking at?
Newcastle have made it clear they are looking for additions to their midfield area but they have been linked with a few strikers as well. There's still a fair way to go in the window but I'm confident they'll have somebody over the line soon.
What sort of game do you expect on Saturday and who should Brentford fans be looking out for?
Rafa Benitez will be going for three points today. The danger man will be Dwight Gayle and he'll relish coming back to London I'm sure. Don't rule out good performances from the likes of Matt Ritchie plus DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark with the defensive unit seeming to enjoy these tricky away matches.