Three points are a must for Newcastle to stay ahead in the race to avoid relegation. Rafael Benítez has provided United with a new-found confidence and, unbeaten in four, they should really have the measure of a Villa side whose embarrassing run of defeats now stands at 11. While they scored twice in their past two games, a shambolic defence has shipped four and three in the process. Alan Smith
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Villa Park
Last season Aston Villa 0 Newcastle United 0
Referee Robert Madley
This season G24, Y64, R5, 3.08 cards per game
Odds H 5-1 A 4-7 D 3-1
Aston Villa
Subs from Bunn, Toner, Kinsella, Sánchez, Lyden, Agbonlahor, Gil, Grealish, Sinclair, Traoré, Kozak
Doubtful Agbonlahor (match fitness), Gestede (groin), Veretout (pelvis)
Injured Richardson (calf, 15 May), Amavi (knee, unknown)
Suspended Cissokho (one match), Okore (club sanction)
Form LLLLLL
Discipline Y74 R3
Leading scorer Ayew 7
Newcastle United
Subs from Woodman, Janmaat, Taylor, Mbabu, Aarons, Shelvey, Mitrovic, Saivet, De Jong, Pérez, Rivière
Doubtful None
Injured Elliot (knee, Aug), Haïdara (knee, Aug), Krul (knee, Aug), Coloccini (calf, unknown)
Suspended None
Form LLWDDW
Discipline Y59 R4
Leading scorer Wijnaldum 9
