Prediction: Aston Villa vs Newcastle

Verdict: Aston Villa win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to widen their buffer in the top-four chase, Aston Villa will welcome Newcastle to the Midlands on Tuesday night.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have eventually been forced to settle for an FA Cup replay away at Chelsea over the weekend, Unai Emery’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Breaking a string of records this season and continuing to receive a string of plaudits, it is no secret that the former Arsenal boss has his sights firmly set on securing a famous Champions League ticket. Signing off 2023 with an action-packed 3-2 victory against relegation scrappers Burnley, Villa have lost just one of their previous 15 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to November 5th. Although Tuesday’s hosts might have been last seen in Premier League action playing out a 0-0 stalemate away at Everton, Emery will be excited by his side’s recent defensive improvements. Recording three domestic clean sheets on the spin and riding what has been a remarkable wave of momentum this season, fans around the Midlands should be smelling the chance to make another statement here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Aston Villa are once again expected to be without the likes of Emi Buendia, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings on Tuesday night. Away with Burkina Faso at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Bertrand Traore will not be part of Emery’s squad here.

While attacking talisman Ollie Watkins might have failed to find the net in any of his previous six domestic appearances across all competitions, the 28-year-old will spearhead Villa’s charge here. Settling for a spot on the bench at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, Jamaica international Leon Bailey should make a full return here.

Newcastle

As for the visitors, extending on their FA Cup adventure over the weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Fulham, Newcastle will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, while Eddie Howe’s side might have made real history last season as they secured a famous top-four finish, the Magpies have largely struggled with their consistency this time around. Suffering a last-gasp collapse at St. James’ Park on January 13th as they eventually fell to a 3-2 defeat against defending champions Manchester City, the former Bournemouth boss has reportedly found some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Opening the New Year with an action-packed 4-2 loss at the hands of Liverpool, Newcastle have remarkably lost eight of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions. Crashing out of the Champions League last month after suffering major European heartbreak, the Magpies should be bracing themselves for a tough challenge on Tuesday night.

Team News

Undergoing surgery on a long-term muscle injury last week, Newcastle have confirmed that Brazilian international Joelinton will not feature again this season. While summer recruit Harvey Barnes might have returned to first-team training, the former Leicester ace is not expected to play any part at Villa Park.

Finding the net on his return for an extended shoulder injury against Fulham last weekend, Jacob Murphy could keep his spot in Howe’s starting XI here. Bagging five goals in as many appearances across all competitions and already notching 10 Premier League strikes, Swedish international Alexander Isak will have a leading role to play in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Aston Villa and Newcastle met for their reverse Premier League meeting on August 12th, the Magpies picked up a 5-1 romp at St. James’ Park.
• Tuesday’s hosts have lost just one of their previous 15 straight appearances across all competitions.
• Newcastle have lost eight of their previous 11 appearances across all formats.
• Likewise, the Magpies have lost all of their last four Premier League showdowns by an aggregate score of 11-5
• Aston Villa have collected a staggering 49 points from their last 17 Premier League appearances in front of their own supporters.

Conclusion

While Newcastle might have picked up that stunning 5-1 romp when they welcomed Villa to St. James’ Park back on August 12th, Howe’s men should be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Losing all of their last four Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 11-5, Tuesday’s hosts should be smelling a real opportunity. Battling it out in the top-four chase and gaining a reputation for their continued success in the Midlands, Villa should be relishing Newcastle’s arrival in midweek. Not suffering a single top-flight defeat in front of their own supporters this season, we are expecting what could be an enjoyable home victory here.

Verdict: Aston Villa win

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet