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Aston Villa vs Newcastle: Premier League Preview
The Premier League’s Champions League race takes centre stage on Saturday evening as Aston Villa host Newcastle United in a crucial top-five clash at Villa Park.
by Berba
With just a single point separating the two sides pre-match, the outcome in the Midlands could have major implications for who secures a spot at Europe’s top table next season. Villa return to league action still nursing heartbreak from their Champions League exit on Tuesday night. Despite a spirited 3-2 second-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain, a 5-4 aggregate loss saw Unai Emery’s side eliminated at the quarter-final stage. It was an emotionally charged evening, as goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa brought them close to an incredible comeback, but PSG’s late aggregate lead held firm.
Now, the focus shifts to domestic matters, where Villa sit seventh, level on points with Chelsea and one behind Manchester City in fifth. Victory on Saturday would not only keep them in touch with the Champions League places but also extend an impressive home record that has seen them go unbeaten in 18 straight matches at Villa Park, winning five on the bounce in all competitions.
Form and Head-to-Head
Villa have been formidable at home, scoring two or more goals in eight of their last nine games on their own patch, though they’ve only managed two clean sheets during that run. However, recent meetings with Newcastle have not been kind—Villa have lost five of the last six Premier League head-to-heads, including the 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park earlier this season.
Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive in flying form after a 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace in midweek. Jason Tindall, continuing to deputise for the unwell Eddie Howe, oversaw a ruthless performance with five different scorers, including Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes, and Fabian Schär. The Magpies have now won six games in a row across all competitions, surging into third place and keeping pace in the top-four battle.
While Newcastle have lost four of their last five visits to Villa Park, they have been one of the strongest away sides this season, collecting 27 points on the road—a tally bettered only by Liverpool and Arsenal.
Team News
Aston Villa boast a clean bill of health heading into the weekend. Leon Bailey was fit enough for the bench against PSG and could return to the starting XI, while Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line after being rested in midweek. Emery may rotate slightly to manage fatigue, with options such as Jacob Ramsey and Marco Asensio pushing for starts.
Newcastle United are also relatively stable on the injury front. They remain without Sven Botman (knee), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), and Lewis Hall (foot), but otherwise, there are no fresh concerns. After scoring and assisting regularly, Jacob Murphy—who has 13 goal involvements in his last 17 Premier League away appearances—should retain his place. Harvey Barnes is also expected to keep Anthony Gordon out of the XI after a strong showing in midweek.
Key Stats
- Villa have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 home games.
- Newcastle have scored 4+ goals in both of their games since Tindall took temporary charge.
- Youri Tielemans has scored three Premier League goals against Newcastle—his joint-best record against any opponent.
- Newcastle have won each of their last three Premier League matches against Villa, scoring at least three times in each.
With both sides in strong attacking form and plenty on the line, this Saturday showdown could be pivotal in shaping the Premier League's top-five picture.