This Saturday sees Aston Villa host high-flying Newcastle United in the Premier League. Here’s the latest heading into this top six clash at Villa Park…
THE BUILD UP
It’s third versus sixth in the Premier League’s early kick-off this Saturday as the final run-in of the campaign commences. Eddie Howe’s consistent Newcastle United face Unai Emery’s resurged Aston Villa in what could be a pivotal fixture in the fight for the European places.
Last time out in the Premier League, Villa defeated Steve Cooper’s struggling Nottingham Forest side at home by two goals to nil. After an uneventful first-half, midfielder Jonjo Shelvey gifted Bertrand Traore a clear sight of goal and the Burkinabè made no mistake, tucking it away for 1-0 in the 49th minute. Ollie Watkins wrapped it up in fine fashion in the dying moments, scoring his ninth goal in just eleven games, as Emery’s side extended their unbeaten run to seven.
As for this week’s opponents Newcastle, they were able to see off Thomas Frank’s Brentford side 2-1 on the road. The Magpies found themselves a goal down at the break thanks to Ivan Toney’s late stoppage-time penalty after what was an underwhelming 45 minutes by their standards. Several changes and tweaks later, Howe’s team were able to mount a comeback through David Raya’s own goal and Alexander Isak’s 61st minute strike, helping the Carabao Cup finalists on their way to a fifth consecutive victory in the league.
When these sides last met, Newcastle ran riot at St James Park, tearing apart a Villa side managed by Aaron Danks and Neil Cutler by four goals to nil. A brace from Callum Wilson and goals from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron left The Magpies soaring on Tyneside in October.
Can Unai Emery inspire revenge this weekend or will Eddie Howe lead his side to a double over their claret and blue opposition?
TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Forward Leon Bailey faces some time on the side-lines after leaving Villa Park last weekend with a hamstring injury. The Jamaican international started in the win over Nottingham Forest but was withdrawn in the 28th minute, having pulled up after delivering a cross into the box, and was replaced by Bertrand Traore.
Traore is expected to start Saturday’s fixture in place of Bailey, having scored two goals in as many games.
Also unavailable for Aston Villa is trio Philippe Coutinho, Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara.
Coutinho has yet to return to training after picking up a hamstring injury in training, days after his encouraging performance against league-leaders Arsenal in February. The Brazilian will hope to re-find his form and feature again for his side within the next couple of weeks.
Cash is absent due to the calf injury sustained whilst on international duty; the Polish full-back, like Coutinho, is expected to return later this month and will hope to play his part in a pivotal run of games for his side.
As for Kamara, the 23-year-old is still considered a doubt after being subbed off at half-time in the away victory at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. The Frenchman was seemingly rushed back too quickly after a month in the injury room with an ankle problem and is being carefully monitored before he makes his comeback.
Jed Steer also remains unavailable for Aston Villa.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Eddie Howe could have as many as four absentees this week, including forwards Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin. Almiron has missed the previous four fixtures with a thigh injury but has since been spotted in training so could feature this weekend. Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin continues to struggle with a hamstring injury and eyes a return at the end of the month. Jacob Murphy is expected to start in the Frenchman’s place at Villa Park.
Also unavailable for The Magpies is Swedish international Emil Krafth. The 28-year-old versatile defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the third round Carabao Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers in August and has not played since. Having recently returned to the grass on his road to recovery, the former Bologna man has made significant progress after surgery but will not feature again this term.
Ryan Fraser is the final absentee for Newcastle this week. The Scottish winger now trains with United’s under 21 side after falling out with head coach Howe. Several reasons for Fraser’s exclusion have been reported. These include: requesting to leave the club; being unhappy played out of position; and being fed-up with the amount of game time received.
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A BIT ON NEWCASTLE UNITED
Newcastle United are one of the top performing sides in the Premier League this season, evidenced through the current league standings that sees them in a hugely impressive third place. United have won over half of their games (15), drawing 11 and losing just three (the joint lowest in the league with league-leaders Arsenal).
The Magpies boast the best defence in the Premier League, having conceded just 21 goals in the 29 games played. Summer recruits Nick Pope and Sven Botman have played a significant part in this term’s excellent defensive performances, alongside the likes of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn. Team cohesion is certainly a major factor in United’s success this year and they have Eddie Howe to thank for that.
Taking over from Steve Bruce in November 2021, Howe has completely transformed this Newcastle team. The former Bournemouth manager is known for his meticulous man management skills, and these have proved fruitful during his tenure. The 45-year-old’s personable intricacies have helped his side to enjoy playing football again, allowing them to gel together and perform consistently each week.
This, in-turn, has enabled the Geordie faithful to re-find their love of the club; something that was difficult under previous ownership and management.
The 2022/23 season has been a memorable one for The Magpies and European football looks a certainty now. If they are to achieve UEFA Champions League qualification, they must show consistency in their nine games, starting with a result over Unai Emery’s in-form Aston Villa this Saturday…
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PREDICTED LINE-UP
Let’s take a look at my predicted line-up for this upcoming fixture…
Do you agree? Who makes your side? Share yours now and let’s discuss?
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AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Liam Davies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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