Newcastle United

Team News, Expected XIs & Prediction: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa

Arguably the two biggest clubs in the Football League meet on Monday night as Newcastle welcome Aston Villa to St James’ Park. Both clubs have had very different seasons since being relegated from the Premier League back in May.

A win for the Magpies would send them back above title rival Brighton and Hove Albion and you would have to tip them to do exactly that considering they haven’t lost in the league since January 2nd. Villa on the other hand haven’t had the taste of victory since Boxing Day and find themselves in an relegation battle which sounds mad considering how much money they have spent so far this season.

Last Fixture

The two teams last met back in September when they played out a 1-1 draw at Villa Park, it looked the Newcastle would take all three points back to Tyneside thanks to Gary Elphick’s own goal after half an hour. That was until the 88th minute when Aaron Tshibola headed in a late equaliser.

Team News

Isaac Hayden underwent an ankle operation last week so will miss out on the next four weeks of football. Dwight Gayle made the bench against Norwich but it is unlikely that Rafa Benitez will want to risk him in a match United should win without the front man. Vurnon Anita returned to training late last week but it is unlikely he will return in any form.

Other than long-term injuries to Ritchie De Laet and Jed Steer Aston Villa have a clean bill of health so should be able to play as strong a team as they like.

Expected Starting XIs:

Newcastle United (4-2-3-1) Darlow – Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett – Shelvey, Colback – Ritchie, Perez, Atsu – Mitrovic.

Aston Villa (4-4-2) Johnstone – Hutton, Chester, Baker, Amavi – Lansbury, Hourihane, Adomah, Grealish – Kodija, Hogan.

Prediction

Aston Villa have been seriously struggling as of late and have now moved into 2nd place of the longest winless streaks in the league after Coventry’s 2-1 win at the weekend. Now only Gillingham (10) are on a longer run without a win than Villa (9). It is unlikely that they can see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet facing a very much in form Newcastle side who will be pushing for victory to return to top spot.

The Toon will be just too strong for Villa and will likely ride out as comfortable 3-0 victors.

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