Last week, the Magpies beat Leicester City and Ipswich Town 4-0 to move within two points of fifth place in the Premier League table. Wedged in between that was a 3-1 win over Brentford that secured United’s spot in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Following an inconsistent start to the campaign, talk has turned to Eddie Howe’s side turning a corner. And a win against Unai Emery’s Villa will certainly strengthen those hopes.
“Not just for us but for most teams we’re seeing good results followed by indifferent results and spells of winning at not winning, and I think we find ourselves grouped together with a lot of the other teams in that respect,” said Howe.
“The most successful teams this season are, of course, will be the teams that find a way to win. Sometimes when you’re not playing well it’s about digging out results at difficult grounds and difficult places. We’re in that period where we are playing well and we want to keep that going, and try to not fall into the trap that we’ve fell into in previous spells.”
The Magpies beat Villa both home and away last season, winning 5-1 at St James’ Park before winning 3-1 at Villa Park.
Joelinton will be available again for Newcastle after he served a one-match suspension against Ipswich Town. Howe has a fully fit squad, excluding Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles. There’s a chance Sven Botman could return to the squad after recovering from an ACL injury.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up:
5. CB: Dan Burn
Sven Botman is nearing a return but Burn continues to justify his selection with a series of rock-solid displays. | Getty Images
6. LB: Lewis Hall
Hall is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League right now. You'd be mad to argue otherwise! | Getty Images
7. CM: Sandro Tonali
It was against Aston Villa last year where Tonali scored his first Newcastle goal. Since dropping into the No.6, the Italian has been outstanding. | Getty Images
8. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes has pushed further up the pitch in recent games and he's delivered with a goal and two assists. | Getty Images