To claim their third successive League victory, Newcastle United will welcome Aston Villa to St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon with kickoff at 5 pm.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five Premier League matches—a thrilling draw against Leeds United on Wednesday—and will be looking to return to winning ways.
Newcastle claimed back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this season with their slender 1-0 win at Leeds United followed by a 3-1 success at home to Everton on Tuesday night.
An unfortunate own goal from captain Jamaal Lascelles put the Toffees in front nine minutes before the break; however, just three minutes later, the centre-back was involved at the right end of the pitch as his header cannoned off the crossbar before Mason Holgate put the ball into his own net.
Newcastle were unable to match Aston Villa with back-to-back league victories after letting a two-goal lead slip against Leeds. Daniel James put the hosts in front, but Philippe Coutinho equalized on the half hour.
A ninth minute opener was cancelled out by the Brazilian just minutes later, before he set up two goals for Jacob Ramsey to put Leeds in front.
Under manager Steve Gerrard, Villa will be hoping to get a win over Newcastle for the second time in Premier League history. The last time Villa beat Newcastle twice in one season was under former boss David O’Leary in 2004-05.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Head to Head
Both sides have 22 games against each other with hosts taking 8 wins while visitors with 6 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Newcastle 3-1 Everton
- Leeds 0-1 Newcastle
- Newcastle 1-1 Watford
- Newcastle 0-1 Cambridge
- Man United 1-1 Newcastle
Away
- Aston Villa 3-3 Leeds United
- Everton 0-1 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 2-2 Man United
- Man United 1-0 Aston Villa
- Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle Team News
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Trippier will face a late fitness test after the right-back went off with a calf injury in midweek. Should the defender fail to recover in time, Javier Manquillo could start in his stead.
Aston Villa Team News
However, Tyrone Mings could be handed his first start of the season at the expense of suspended central defender Ezri Konsa alongside on-loan Arsenal man Calum Chambers.
Prediction and Odds
Aston Villa secured a routine win over Newcastle earlier this season, but they are likely to face a different proposition at St James’ Park and will be in for a challenging afternoon.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Coutinho to Score
