2020-21 Premier League: Week 28 – Newcastle United vs Aston Villa

Newcastle United welcome Aston Villa to St James’ Park in Friday Night Football from the Premier League.

Victory would see Newcastle climb above Burnley into 16th until at least Saturday evening, whereas Villa can move above Liverpool into eighth on goal difference with a win.

 

Team News

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Newcastle have no fresh injury concerns to report after last Sunday’s goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar (both knee), Allan Saint-Maximin (groin) and Callum Wilson (hamstring) remain absent.

Aston Villa could welcome Kortney Hause back from a lengthy foot injury.

Morgan Sanson (knock), Bertrand Traore (knee) and Anwar El Ghazi (toe) are all doubts but Jack Grealish (calf), Wesley (knee) and Matty Cash (hamstring) are still ruled out.

 

Stat Attack

• Newcastle are winless in their last five Premier League meetings against Aston Villa (D3, L2).
• Villa have drawn three of their last five Premier League trips to St James Park, with their last three draws on Tyneside all finishing in 1-1 results (D3, L2).
• Newcastle have scored first in each of their last five home league matches against Villa.
• Five of Ollie Watkins’ ten league goals for Villa this season have come on his right foot.
• No Premier League team has produced fewer through balls this season than Newcastle, with Steve Bruce’s Magpies producing just four through balls via three different players.

 

Prediction

Newcastle certainly found themselves in a scrap at West Brom last weekend because although they capitalised on high pressing lines from the Baggies, they simply failed to take their chances quick enough before the hosts recovered despite defending well themselves throughout.

Dean Smith meanwhile will be keen to see a better display from his Villa team after a strong performance last Saturday at home to Wolves, in which they threatened well but often lacked accuracy and were defensively exposed during set pieces.

I therefore can see another draw coming here between these two teams because Newcastle can be difficult to beat on their happy days, whereas Villa just seem to lack sharpness when enduring their off-colour days otherwise I can see an away win if the Villains turn up with a polished end product.

Prediction: Newcastle United 0-0 Aston Villa

Result: Newcastle United 1-1 Aston Villa