Well done Aston Villa - Classy gesture to Eddie Howe before Newcastle United clash

A mass brawl in the tunnel during December’s reverse fixture saw Tindall and Aston Villa analyst Victor Manas sent off. Tensions flared during half-time, resulting in Newcastle being fined £20,000.

Villa - understood to be the instigators - were fined £30,000 and Manas was given a two-match stadium ban. Hostilities will resume when the two clubs compete in a mammoth Champions League qualification showdown this evening.

Speaking to reporters, Emery gave his best wishes to the recovering Howe while downplaying a rift with Tindall. He said: “I will focus on the match and, of course, my best wishes are for Eddie and that he comes back as soon as possible and healthy.

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“I don't have a problem (with Tindall). I only compete and I try to win and respect, always respect. Sometimes we can compete and maybe more than normal or maybe sometimes extremely competing. But (it is) always (about) getting balance and there is no problem.”

A genuine six-pointer features two clubs both desperate for a seat at UEFA’s top table next season. Newcastle have a five-point cushion over Villa but defeat tonight would make for a nervy final five games.

Emery believes the Magpies are “favourites” for Champions League football given their recent run but noted how many points remain up for grabs. He added: “The first step (is) tomorrow. The first three points we will face against favourites to be in the top five, because they are now really performing very well, they are winning a lot of matches in a row, getting a lot of points.

“They are now in their best moment. They are performing very well, they are winning matches, they are feeling confident, they are feeling so strong. They have five points more than us.

“It means a lot, how we are, how they are, how important is the match tomorrow. Still 18 points to play (for) in (the) Premier League, and they have five points in advantage.”

"I've said before, I'll always offer my hand for the opposition manager,” Tindall said. "When you are playing a game all you want to do is win that is how I have always been.

Jason Tindall responded directly to Unai Emery question

Tindall was asked whether he would shake Emery’s hand at yesterday’s pre-match press conference. The answer was never in doubt.

“I'm very passionate, the only thing that crosses your mind during battle,” he told supporters. “It's a frustrating game at times. I'll certainly hold my hand out. And if he wants to shake it I am sure he will."

"It is not about what happens in the technical area or in the tunnel. The important thing is the players are focused and able to go out there and put in a performance."

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