‘They’re coming’ - Aston Villa star sends warning to Newcastle United ahead of Premier League clash

Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa has sent a warning message to Newcastle United ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated clash between the two sides.

Villa and Newcastle face-off at Villa Park this weekend, and both teams go into the clash in sizzling form. Villa have won five of their last six, drawing the other, while Eddie Howe’s men have won five of the last six, losing the other.

Newcastle are currently in the top four, chasing Champions League football, while Villa are eyeing Europa League qualification after turning their season around under Unai Emery. It’s set to be a big test for Newcastle and their top four credentials, and Villa star Konsa has reminded his opponents of that during an interview with his club site.

“It’s going to be a really tough game,” said the defender. “We’re both on a really good run of form. They’re coming to Villa Park and we’re unbeaten there in our last three games with three clean sheets.

“It’s a challenge that we’re all looking forward to and come Saturday, hopefully we can get another three points and a clean sheet as well.”

Newcastle made easy work of Villa earlier in the season, winning 4-0 at St James’ Park in late October, but Emery has overseen significant improvement since then, particularly defensively. Villa have kept five clean sheets in their last seven games, though Newcastle have only failed to score in two of their last seven Premier League outings.

It’s set to be a fascinating clash between two sides chasing Europe, and there is also the added narrative of Emery having rejected the Newcastle job before the club turned to Howe. Emery turned down the job, deciding to stick with Villarreal for the time being, guiding them to the Champions League semi-finals.

The Spaniard went on to finish the season with the Yellow Submarine, leaving earlier this season to take over from Steven Gerrard at Villa Park.