Newcastle United continue their fight for Premier League survival as Eddie Howe’s Magpies host Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
Victory would see Newcastle move four points clear of the relegation zone but stay 17th, whereas Villa can climb to 10th with a win.
Team News
Kieran Trippier is a doubt for Newcastle after suffering a calf injury in Tuesday’s win against Everton.
Matt Targett is ineligible to face Villa after having joined Newcastle on loan from the Villains last month.
Federico Fernandez (thigh), Jamal Lewis (groin), Paul Dummett (calf), Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie (both knee) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain absent.
Villa will be without Ezri Konsa after he was red carded in their midweek 3-3 draw against Leeds United.
Emiliano Buendia (hip), Philippe Coutinho (cramp) and Leon Bailey (fitness) could all feature if declared match fit.
Marvelous Nakamba (knee) and Bertrand Traore (hamstring) are ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are winless in their last five meetings against Aston Villa (D2, L3).
- Aston Villa are winless in their last 12 Premier League visits to Newcastle (D6, L6).
- Five of the last six meetings between Newcastle and Aston Villa on Tyneside have finished 1-1, including each of their last three clashes in the North East.
- Newcastle are yet to score on the counter-attack in the Premier League this season.
- Each of Jacob Ramsey’s last three goals for Villa have been assisted by Philippe Coutinho.
Prediction
Newcastle were certainly made to work for their comeback win against Everton on Tuesday evening but they matched the Toffees throughout a competitive first half, yet were able to deliver two crucial clinical goals after half-time amidst excellent pressing and attacking throughout.
Villa meanwhile need to settle more defensively solid quicker than they did on Wednesday but they did well to stick it out, enjoying a clinical spell with Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey but defensive errors eventually cost them the win on top of wasted chances.
On that note, this game should be an interesting clash because Newcastle will be eager to build on their midweek display with a more disciplined clinical performance, yet Villa won’t make life easy if their defence is more focused.
I however am going for a home win because if there is a time for Newcastle to end their rut in this fixture, it has to be now even though we should see goals at both ends if Coutinho and Ramsey are given any opportunities to link up.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Aston Villa
Result: Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa
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