England Premier League
Tuesday 30th January 2024
Kick off at 8:15pm GMT
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
It could be argued that Aston Villa are the Newcastle of last season and Unai Emery’s side have continued to impress. Villa come into this game in 4th place although with 43 points they have the same as 2nd and 3rd placed Manchester City and Arsenal and certainly they are keeping good company. The club's last league game finished in a 0-0 away result to Everton and it’s just one loss from their last five. In their FA Cup game they were able to hold Chelsea to a 0-0 result away from home but for Villa’s form this season see their home games. Currently the club has the best home form in the league with 28 points from 10 games and a huge 90% win rate alongside Liverpool and Manchester City they remain the only team unbeaten at home so far. The clubs last home game finished in a 3-2 win over Burnley which was a nervy one for them and in fact that followed a home game where they drew 1-1 with Sheffield United. That underlines how strong the Premier League is that the bottom side in the league are currently the only side to have taken points at Villa Park.
Newcastle beat Fulham 2-0 in the FA Cup to reach the fifth round and that was an important away win for the club because in the league they have lost their last 4 in a row. There have been defeats against Luton, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester City and the Magpies have fallen to 10th place and have 29 points. They are 14 points behind not only their opponents but fourth place too. Normally one would believe that manager Eddie Howe would be under pressure to keep his job, and he may still be if this form continues although in fairness the club have had to endure a terrible injury list that has plagued them for the majority of the season. On the road has been the clubs real achilles heel though and they have the second to worst record in the league with just 5 points from 10 games.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Lucas Digne is only 50/50 to return from a hamstring injury and may not be risked, Emiliano Buendia has a knee injury and isn’t expected back for another 10 days. Jacob Ramsey will be assessed for a hamstring injury but doubts remain. Jhon Duran also has a hamstring injury and he is out for a period of time. Pau Torres is 50/50 to return due to his ankle and Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with a knee injury with no fixed return date
Newcastle: Joelinton is out until May with a thigh injury. Miguel Almiron will be assessed due to illness. Elliot Anderson remains sidelined with a back injury with no fixed return date, Harvey Barnes was expected back but this may be delayed as he recovers from a toe injury. Jamaal Lascelles is hopeful to return for this game following his calf injury. Nick Pope remains out until April, Matt Targett won’t return for at least another 3 weeks due to a hamstring injury. Kieran Trippier will be assessed due to a groin issue, Joseph Willock looks a doubt again with his Achilles as does Callum Wilson with a calf injury but both may be assessed. Sandro Tonali is suspended for the season
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Head to Head:
Last season Aston Villa won this meeting 3-0.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Newcastle won 5-1.
It’s been 10 years since Newcastle last beat Aston Villa away from home.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Prediction:
Of course motivation will be huge for Aston Villa who would go into 2nd place with a win. Villa will be up against a quality side but of course a depleted one too and Joelinton has added to the injury worries for Eddie Howe and will be a huge miss for the club. Villa’s home form is remarkable but it will be fascinating to see if they can keep up this great record in the second half of the season and the business one at that.
Had Newcastle been able to field their strongest team this would be a hard game to predict but we think if Emery can keep his players focused and complacent does not set in then they should be able to win these encounters and we expect Villa to get all three points and some revenge from the earlier fixture in the campaign.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Betting Tips:
Aston Villa to beat Newcastle at 1.83
Anytime goalscorer: Ollie Watkins at 2.25
Over 2.5 goals at 1.50
The 'PLACE BET' button will take you to BetUK.com, where these selections can be found. Please gamble responsibly, 18+ BeGambleAware.org
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
