Kick-off: 2000, 23/01/2021
Stadium: Villa Park
TV: Sky Sports
Aston Villa are expected to strip fitter for Wednesday’s clash with Manchester City and look worthy favourites to see off Newcastle on home turf.
The Magpies have picked up just two points from their last seven Premier League fixtures and have only scored once in seven games in all competitions.
Those stats make 6/4 for a home win to nil an obvious place to start with our first Aston Villa vs Newcastle prediction.
A Look At Aston Villa’s Betting Odds
Villa were a touch unfortunate to lose 2-0 at Etihad Stadium, as their first team returned to action following almost three weeks off due to a coronavirus outbreak.
The Midlands outfit were furious that Rodri appeared to be running back from an offside position when he dispossessed Tyrone Mings to set up Bernardo Silva for the breakthrough goal on 79 minutes.
Dean Smith was shown a red card for his protestations and later fumed: “It was a farcical decision.
“I’ve not seen a goal like that given. It needs to be looked at. I don’t think anyone in this stadium thought it was a goal.”
Their frustration was compounded when Ilkay Gundogan wrapped up victory from the penalty spot after Raheem Sterling’s header hit Matty Cash on the hand.
Until the late drama, Villa had acquitted themselves well on their return to action, although mainly on the back foot, with City having 69 per cent of possession and 28 attempts on goal.
Villa were also competitive in a 2-1 loss at Manchester United on New Year’s Day and will now seek to recapture their impressive December form.
That month brought three wins and two draws, with the only goal conceded coming in a 1-1 stalemate at Chelsea.
Looking at the Aston Villa vs Newcastle odds, we like 3/1 for a home win and under 2.5 goals in the game.
Last Villa line-up: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Luiz, McGinn, Grealish, Barkley, Watkins, Traore.
A Look At Newcastle United’s Betting Odds
Newcastle were going along nicely in the top half of the table in mid-December but have since suffered a nine-match winless run, including crashing out of two cup competitions.
The Magpies had Ryan Fraser sent off when going down 1-0 at bottom club Sheffield United and then fell to a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on Monday.
Even £20million summer signing Callum Wilson has been out of sorts since a bright start to his time with United, who have scored only one goal in almost 11 hours of football.
There is little doubt the prolonged absence of Allan Saint-Maximin, whose struggle to shake off the after-effects of coronavirus is ongoing, has been a significant factor.
Miguel Almiron and Joelinton are struggling to make an impression up front, while Steve Bruce has attracted criticism for taking a conservative approach with his tactics.
The manager said: “We always knew this was the most difficult part of the season for us in terms of fixtures and the problems we have got. We have got to keep plugging away at it and I’m sure it’ll turn.”
Everything points to a cagey opening period at Villa Park, as Newcastle’s first-half record from nine away games reads only one goal scored and just four conceded.
Their hosts have only scored twice before the break in seven outings, so 23/10 for 0-0 at the interval is worth adding to our Aston Villa vs Newcastle betting tips.
Last Newcastle line-up: Darlow, Clark, Lascelles, Lewis, Krafth, Longstaff, Shelvey, Almiron, Carroll, Joelinton, Wilson.
Additional stats
Last result:
Man City 2-0 ASTON VILLA
Arsenal 3-0 NEWCASTLE
Head-to-head: Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa, Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle
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