Newcastle United are targeting a fourth straight win across all competitions as they host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Boxing Day. Villa are poor travellers this season and face a difficult task against the Magpies, who are playing with confidence at the moment.
Newcastle United head into the Boxing Day fixture in a rich vein of form having won their last three matches across all competitions. They picked up a 4-0 victory at Leicester City in their previous Premier League fixture, with Alexander Isak netting a hat-trick.
Isak is in fine form and has scored six times in the last four Premier League matches. Eddie Howe’s men have scored in both halves in their last three matches across all competitions.
Aston Villa have also been in good form lately, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. Unai Emery’s men travel to St James’ Park off the back of a 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City last time out in the Premier League.
Although things appear to be smooth for Aston Villa, they have struggled on their recent travels. The Villans have lost their last four Premier League away matches, with some heavy defeats in that run like the 4-1 thrashing at Tottenham Hotspur.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Newcastle
Newcastle United have the upper hand among the bookies, with a home win priced at 20/23 by BoyleSports. A victory for Aston Villa is valued at 13/5 while BoyleSports is also offering odds of 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head: Upper hand for Magpies
Newcastle United have a 69-51 advantage with 37 draws from 157 previous matches against Aston Villa. The Magpies did the double last season, with the clash at St James’ Park ending in a 5-1 victory.
Players to watch: Eyes on Isak
Newcastle United’s recent fine showings have coincided with Isak’s return to form, with the striker scoring six times in the last four Premier League matches. The Swede also netted a brace at St James Park last season and is priced at 5/4 by BoyleSports to find the net once again.
Jhon Duran continues to impress for Aston Villa and has now scored in his last four matches across all competitions. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 9/4 with BoyleSports.
Probable line-ups
Newcastle United are without Joelinton, Callum Wilson and goalkeeper Nick Pope, who are all sidelined with injury. Isak should continue in attack with Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon providing support.
Jacob Ramsey and Diego Carlos are the only absentees for Aston Villa with both men sidelined with injury. Duran’s recent goalscoring form should see him continue to keep Ollie Watkins out while Leon Bailey could be handed a start on Thursday.
Newcastle United: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonality, Guimaraes, Willock, Murphy, Gordon, Isak
Aston Villa: Martinez, Digne, Torres, Konsa, Cash, Onana, McGinn, Bailey, Tielemans, Rogers, Duran
Anything else catch the eye?
The last three meetings between Newcastle United and Aston Villa have produced over 3.5 goals and a repeat is priced at 6/4 by BoyleSports. Both teams have scored in the first half in two of their last three meetings and a similar pattern is priced at 14/5 with BoyleSports.
Newcastle United have scored in both halves in their last three matches across all competitions and could be set for a similar result at 8/5 with BoyleSports.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa will be played on Dec 26, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
