Aston Villa gets back into Premier League action at home for the first time since Boxing Day when they face off against Newcastle. The match schedules for Saturday at Villa Park with kickoff at 11 pm.
Even though the weekend remains dedicated to FA Cup fixtures in the top flight, both teams face off in a rescheduled fixture. Both sides will be looking to overturn their fortunes in league with three vital points up for grabs.
After no home action since Boxing Day at Villa Park due to a coronavirus outbreak, it will be a breath of fresh air. However, it will come without Dean Smith on the touchline after getting a one-match ban for foul language used against an official following their 2-0 loss to Manchester City.
Both Newcastle and Aston Villa have been several hit with the coronavirus outbreak on both camps. Most of the players will undoubtedly continue recovering from the after-effects of coronavirus.
Dean Smith will switch attention from the table standings given he has three games in hand. A win this Saturday will catapult the side to eight on the table. It will be above the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Magpies are going through a tough patch with their goals dried up after two recent defeats to Arsenal in the FA Cup and league.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Head to Head
Both sides have 21 games against each other with Aston Villa taking home four wins while Newcastle with nine wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Man City 2-0 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 1-4 Liverpool
Man United 2-1 Aston Villa
Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 3-0 Crystal Palace
Away
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle
Sheffield United 1-0 Newcastle
Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 1-2 Leicester
Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool
Aston Villa Team News
Dean Smith will remain without John McGinn after picking his fifth yellow card of the season against City. The match might come too soon for Trezequet while Wesley and Kortney Hausse remain sidelined for the hosts. El Ghazi remains to push for a recall to the side.
Newcastle United Team News
Steve Bruce might change their attacking in front of Callum Wilson and Andy Caroll after recent disappointments. Ryan Fraser is available after serving a suspension. The match will come too soon for Federico Hernandez and Saint-Maximin.
Prediction and Odds
Neither side can come to the match with good form; however, Villa’s squad depth might get the job done.
Aston Villa Win
Goals Under 2.5
Away: No Score
