Newcastle vs Aston Villa Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Two of the pretenders to the European spots, who have both qualified for the UEFA Champions League in the last two seasons, have hit some good form as we head into the festive period.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday 26th December, 2024: UK – 3:00pm / US ET – 10:00am / US PT – 7:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime / US – Peacock

Newcastle Preview: Finding that scoring touch

Eddie Howe was under a bit of pressure in charge of Newcastle United a couple of weeks ago but the Magpies have certainly turned a corner as they push for a top seven finish once again alongside reaching the semi-finals of the EFL Cup last week.

After beating Leicester City by four goals to nil, Newcastle then eased past Brentford by three goals to one in the EFL Cup before travelling down to Portman Road and hammering Ipswich Town by four goals to nil thanks in large part to a hat-trick from Alexander Isak.

Aston Villa Preview: Emery’s Villains

Aston Villa endured a very difficult autumn but appear to be turning a corner once again as they push back towards the top four. Unai Emery’s Villains come into this one on the back of enjoying four victories in their last five matches across all competitions.

The visitors’ most recent outing saw them defeat struggling defending champions Manchester City by two goals to one at Villa Park last weekend thanks to impressive goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers before a late consolation scored by Phil Foden.

Newcastle Team News: Still no Pope

Joelinton’s facial injuries will require a late check as he returns from suspension with Joe Willock fully fit and available. Nick Pope has no return date yet scheduled as Sven Botman continues to get back to full fitness by playing with the U21s for the time being.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon

Unavailable: Pope (Injured), Lascelles (Injured), Krafth (Injured), Wilson (Injured)

Questionable: Botman (Fitness), Joelinton (Injured)

Aston Villa Team News: Nothing fresh

Unai Emery was not quizzed on any updated team news in his pre-match press conference but there is an expectation that Diego Carlos will push for a return to full fitness after missing the weekend with Jacob Ramsey still unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Duran

Unavailable: Ramsey (Injured)

Questionable: Carlos (Injured)

Newcastle vs Aston Villa Prediction

Newcastle United started this season with some good results but underwhelming performances. They struggled for goals throughout the opening few months of the campaign but that appears to have been put to bed in the last few matches. They now face an Aston Villa side that will head to St James’ Park with a lot of confidence after last weekend’s win and it could end up being quite an open contest in the north east and a fun game to watch for the neutral on Boxing Day.

Newcastle vs Aston Villa Tip: Over 2.5 goals