Relegation-threatened Newcastle United will be looking for their first victory in over a month when they continue their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa. The match schedules for Friday at St. James Park, with kickoff at 11 pm.
Newcastle is currently 16th on the table after drawing 0-0 with West Brom in their last outing while one point off the red line. On the other hand, Villa currently occupies the ninth position in England’s top flight.
Newcastle is growing exceedingly weary of Fulham with their excellent form of late. The Magpies are only one point off the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand on the Cottagers. Steve Bruce’s side is only one point ahead of Brighton.
The side is on a four winless streak in the Premier League, losing to Chelsea and Manchester United. This is in addition to drawing with Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich, since a home success over Southampton.
There is no downplaying the importance of Friday’s match as a poor result could see Newcastle end the week in the relegation zone. The side has huge fixtures against Brighton and Burnley to either side of a home game against Tottenham at the start of April.
Aston Villa head into the clash on the back of a goalless draw with Wolves on a Saturday. Their goalless draw means the Villans have won one of their last five games in the Premier Leauge.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Head to Head
Both sides have 22 games against each other, with Newcastle takes home nine wins while Villa has five wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
West Brom 0-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 1-1 Wolves
Man United 3-1 Newcastle
Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle
Newcastle 3-2 Southampton
Away
Aston Villa 0-0 Wolves
Sheffield United 1-0 Aston Villa
Leeds United 0-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 1-2 Leicester City
Brighton 0-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle United Team News
Steve Bruce remains without the services of four key players on Friday, with Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Fabian Schar remain unavailable for selection. With options limited, Bruce might opt for the same starting XI.
Aston Villa Team News
Long-term absentees Wesley and Kortney Hause remain unavailable for selection. However, Smith will be hoping for Morgan Sanson. Bertrand Traore and Anwar El Ghazi overcome their slight issues. Matty Cash is unavailable with a thigh issue.
Prediction and Odds
Both sides remain in desperate need of points for different reasons, thus making a tasteful contest.
Correct Score: 0-1
Aston Villa Win
Goals Under 2.5
