Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park in Saturday Night Football from the Premier League.
This tie was originally due to be played in early December but was postponed due to a Coronavirus outbreak amongst Steve Bruce’s Magpies.
Villa can go eighth with victory whereas Newcastle will stay 15th regardless of result unless can score and win by four or more goals, which would see the visitors climb above Wolves into 14th.
Team News
Trezeguet could return for Aston Villa after recovering from a hamstring injury, although this match could come just too soon for the midfielder.
Matt Targett (fatigue) is a doubt and could join John McGinn (suspension), Wesley (knee) and Kortney Hause (foot) on sidelines.
Newcastle could welcome Ryan Fraser back after the winger served an one match ban in Monday’s defeat at Arsenal.
Allan Saint Maximin (fitness) is also set to return but Fabian Schar (knock) and Ciaran Clark (calf) are doubts, potentially joining Federico Fernandez (hamstring) and Dwight Gayle (illness) on the absentee list.
Stat Attack
- Aston Villa have lost just one of last six Premier League meetings against Newcastle (W1, D4, L1).
- Newcastle are unbeaten in four of their last five Premier League trips to Villa Park (W2, D2, L1).
- Steve Bruce’s Magpies have never been awarded a penalty against Aston Villa in 46 previous Premier League meetings.
- Emiliano Martinez has made 59 saves for Villa in the league this season, which is more than any other South American goalkeeper.
- No Newcastle player has produced more blocks in the league this season than Federico Fernandez, who has blocked 21 shots in 16 appearances.
Prediction
Given that Villa haven’t played for almost three weeks, they definitely looked to have no real effects in Wednesday’s defeat at Manchester City with a strong defensive performance which should of earned them a point if not for harsh refereeing.
Newcastle meanwhile just seem to be sliding further into the abyss with another dreadful away performance at Arsenal on Monday, even though their defensive ability is their best aspect when able to stubbornly sit in and soak up pressure.
Villa though will be playing the second of six games in 17 days and if they can play on the front foot whilst terrorising the Magpies’ defence with creative shot making, this will be a comfortable home win with a clean sheet.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle
Result: Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle
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