Villa’s 3-1 defeat to Barnsley last Tuesday night was their 7th defeat in the last 8 games. As a result of their worryingly poor form, Villa find themselves plummeting down the table and they now find themselves just 6 points above the Relegation Zone. Villa need to start picking up points quickly and their next opportunity to do so is a tricky away tie to title contenders Newcastle United tonight.
On the injury front, Villa full-backs Neil Taylor (ankle) and James Bree (knee) are both doubts, but Villa fans will be relieved to hear that Mile Jedinak is fit again, after having missed the last 5 matches due to a groin injury.
Newcastle, on the other hand, will be missing Issac Hayden (ankle), Vurnon Anita (ankle) and Rolando Aarons (knee). However, striker Dwight Gayle could make a welcome start after having made his return from a hamstring as a substitute in Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Norwich.
Newcastle, who are unbeaten in their last 6 games (4 wins and 2 draws), have form as well as history on their side tonight. The last time the Magpies lost at home to Villa in the league was in April 2005 – since then they have won 6 and drawn 4. Furthermore, Villa haven’t beaten Newcastle since April 2011, drawing 6 and losing 5 since then.
Villa will be looking to score the first goal tonight because every time Newcastle have conceded first this season (only 6 times), they have gone on to lose the match.
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