By Gabriel Agbonlahor

13th Sep, 2023 | 6:00am

Agbonlahor suggests Newcastle will axe Sandro Tonali against Brentford this weekend

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to drop Sandro Tonali for their clash against Brentford on Saturday (16 September).

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Sean Longstaff could be restored to the starting eleven after playing a “big part” in last season’s success.

Tonali has started in all four of Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixtures this season after completing a reported £55million move from AC Milan.

However, the Magpies have lost their last three games – meaning they sit 14th having picked up four points so far this term.

Tonali will return to Milan to face his former side with Newcastle in the Champions League next week (19 September) – Newcastle’s first game in the competition for 20 years.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Newcastle look very poor at the moment.

“That’s not a team who are going to finish in the top four again if they continue performing like that.

“They need to wake up. Maybe the answer is making a few changes for the next game.

“Howe could put Longstaff back in that midfield. He was a big part of the success last season but he’s lost his place.

“That could be the answer. Take Tonali out for a game and get Longstaff in there with Guimaraes and Joelinton again.

“The Brighton performance was very poor and that’s now three losses on the bounce.

“They need to wake up, it’s not good enough.”

In other news, Aston Villa trump Newcastle after agreeing record deal.