Newcastle United vs Aston Villa: European Ambitions on the Line at St James’ Park

Newcastle United and Aston Villa clash at St James’ Park on Sunday in the Premier League, with both sides firmly in the hunt for European qualification. With the table finely poised, this fixture feels like a genuine six-pointer as the season edges toward its decisive phase.

Newcastle United’s last Premier League outing against Wolves was one to forget for Eddie Howe.

The Magpies failed to register a single shot on target in the first half at Molineux, as the contest drifted into a drab 0–0 draw despite Newcastle dominating possession with 67%.

However, Newcastle responded in emphatic fashion in midweek. Howe’s side put three goals past PSV in a convincing 3–0 victory, a result that will serve as a significant confidence boost heading into Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.

Newcastle are also unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games at St James’ Park, underlining the strength of their home form ahead of this contest a record that presents a daunting challenge for Villa on Tyneside.

Aston Villa arrive off the back of a frustrating league result of their own, having suffered a shock 1–0 home defeat to Everton, a loss that brought their impressive 11-game unbeaten run to an end.

The Villans have now failed to score in back-to-back Premier League matches and have not looked particularly potent in front of goal.

That said, Villa did respond in Europe. Unai Emery’s side secured a hard-fought 1–0 away win in Turkey against Fenerbahçe, with Jadon Sancho scoring the decisive goal. It was Villa’s first goal in three games and could provide a timely confidence boost ahead of their trip north.

History, however, offers little encouragement. Aston Villa have not won at St James’ Park for 21 years a remarkable drought that underlines Newcastle’s dominance in this fixture on Tyneside.

Team News

Newcastle’s impressive win against PSV came at a cost, with Bruno Guimarães forced off with an ankle injury. The Brazilian remains a doubt for Sunday’s encounter.

Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento are sidelined with hamstring injuries, Fabian Schär is out with an ankle problem, and Emil Krafth remains unavailable due to a knee injury.

Villa have been boosted by the return of Amadou Onana, who is now fit again. However, Emiliano Martínez remains sidelined with a calf injury, while John McGinn has suffered a fresh knee issue. Boubacar Kamara and Ross Barkley are also unavailable due to knee injuries.

Possible line-ups

Newcastle United:

Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon

Aston Villa:

Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana; Sancho, Rogers, Buendía; Watkins

Prediction

This is a difficult one to call. Aston Villa have lost some of their invincible aura in recent weeks and look vulnerable at times, making this an intriguing test at St James’ Park.

However, Newcastle have never won a Premier League match without Bruno Guimarães being involved since his arrival, adding an extra layer of uncertainty should he miss out.

All things considered, a tight and cagey encounter feels likely.

Prediction: Newcastle United 0–0 Aston Villa