The battle of the unbeaten streaks takes place at Villa Park on Saturday as Aston Villa host Newcastle United. The Villans have won four straight Premier League games as part of a seven-match unbeaten run against just bottom-half opposition. Newcastle, on the other side, has won five consecutive Premier League games, three of which have come away from St. James' Park. It has witnessed the Magpies ascend to third with 56 points, whereas Aston Villa are sixth with 47 points.
Aston Villa Vs Newcastle United fixtures
Ever since they sacked Steven Gerrard in October 2022, things have gone rather swimmingly for Aston Villa as their decision has borne fruit with Unai Emery playing a key role. The Spaniard has lifted the team up because of which Aston Villa have clambered up from 14th, when Gerrard was sacked, to sixth place and are in contention for a place in a European competition. The Villans have lost just 4 league games since Emery took over although while they are unbeaten in their last seven games, things do get tough in the near future.
They’ll face Newcastle United, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion before the season is over and given their dreams of a European spot, it does make things rather interesting. That is especially since the Magpies, the Red Devils, Spurs, the Reds and the Seagulls are all also chasing the same European spots. But Newcastle United are playing for another spot altogether as the Magpies sit, shockingly, in third place at the moment.
They’re level on points with Manchester United but sit above the Red Devils on goal-difference which may prove to be crucial at the end of the season. They, much like the Villans, have been on a tear recently with five consecutive wins which does mean that their next few games should be interesting to watch. That’s because Eddie Howe’s side will face Aston Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion as they battle to hold their place in the top four.
Aston Villa players
One simply cannot talk about Aston Villa without talking about Ollie Watkins. The Englishman has been in incredible form over the last few months with 12 goals to his name this season. But out of those 12, four have come in his last five games while nine have come in his last 11 games. He is on fire and has been a key reason why Villa have done so well, as in those 11 games, the Villans have won all but three.
It's not all about the front-line though as Tyrone Mings and Alex Moreno have been defensive stalwarts for Unai Emery’s side as the duo, alongside Ezri Konsa, have played every minute over the last few months. However, with no Philippe Coutinho and Leon Bailey, it will mean that the creative onus will fall on Jacob Ramsey and Emi Buendia although both have struggled with a combined five goal contributions in their last five games. Not exactly what Aston Villa needed but with a few tweaks, the duo could very well turn the tide.
Newcastle United players
While Ollie Watkins has been absolutely superb for Aston Villa, Newcastle United have had both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson firing on all four cylinders off late. The duo have nine goal contributions in the last five games with Isak (5 goals) doing most of the goal scoring although Wilson (3 goals and 1 assist) has turned up with goals when needed.
It does mean that while reports have indicated that Miguel Almiron is set for a shock return against Villa, the Magpies won’t have to risk the forward as they do have other options. However, they will be without Allan Saint-Maximin after he picked up a knock in their last game which could mean a chance for young Anthony Gordon to finally showcase why the Magpies made the move for him in January.
Aston Villa Vs Newcastle United head to head
Aston Villa have faced Newcastle in 98 matches, winning 31 of them, while the Magpies have won 41 and drawn 23. However, the Villans have lost two, won one, and drawn one of their previous five games, implying that this one might go either way.
Aston Villa Vs Newcastle United on TV
The Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle will take place at Villa Park on Saturday, April 15 at 05:00 pm IST. The game will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar in India.
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