NEWCASTLE UNITED kept their season alive with an FA Cup win at the weekend but now face a daunting task sparking a Premier League revival as they visit high-flying Aston Villa.
I backed the Magpies to win at Fulham on Saturday because Eddie Howe's tired players were refreshed after a two-week break while the Cottagers were coming off the back of a draining Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool.
That was a huge game for Howe and he can now turn his attention to moving Newcastle United up the Premier League table, with an awful run of four successive defeats seeing them plummet to 10th place.
The Magpies defied the odds to grab a top-four place last term but Aston Villa have stepped into their shoes this season and currently sit in fourth place, a whopping 14 points ahead of Newcastle.
The main reason for their hugely impressive form has been a Villa Park fortress, with Unai Emery's men unbeaten at home all season in the Premier League. Sheffield United are the only side to have avoided defeat there on league duty so it's a tough task for Howe and his players.
Aston Villa were involved in plenty of thrillers earlier in the season but the goals have dried up of late, with a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup followed by successive 0-0 stalemates against Everton and Chelsea.
Emery will be desperate to get his side firing again and another home win against Newcastle would set them up nicely for a massive second half of the season.
How the bookies view it
With Aston Villa so strong at home it's no surprise to see them as favourites for this one at a best 19/20 with QuinnBet. Newcastle are as big as 11/4 with BoyleSports and the draw pays 3/1 at Bet365.
Recent head to head
Newcastle spanked Aston Villa 5-1 at St James' Park on the opening weekend of the season and six of the last seven meetings have ended in home wins. There has been little between these sides recently, with the last 14 clashes producing five Newcastle victories, four Aston Villa wins and five draws.
Players to watch
The goals have dried up for Ollie Watkins in recent weeks, with the Aston Villa striker drawing a blank in his last six outings. He's too good a player for that run to go on much longer and William Hill make him 6/4 for anytime scorer.
This has been a breakthrough season for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon and he scored a stunner in their last league match against Manchester City. The youngster is 19/4 at Unibet for another goal and McBookie have him at a tempting 17/4 for an assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
There may be 14 points between these teams but they're of a similar standard so this should be a close game. The half-time draw appeals at 8/5 with 888Sport while McBookie price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 11/8.
Aston Villa's last three games have only produced one goal but this should be a decent watch as Newcastle won't sit back. That makes over 9.5 match shots on target worth a look at 20/21 with BetVictor while Newcastle's Gordon is 23/20 at Unibet just to test the keeper.
Villa's Douglas Luiz should be at the heart of the midfield battle and I like the 5/4 available at Paddy Power for the Brazilian to commit over 1.5 fouls.
This English Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United will be played on Jan 30, 2024 and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best Aston Villa vs Newcastle United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
