Newcastle United play Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon in what is set to be an entertaining clash that has significance at the bottom of the table.
Alain Saint-Maximin starred in Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Everton on Tuesday, a result which lifted the Magpies out of the relegation zone, while Philippe Coutinho was again on target for Villa in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are looking to continue their survival push, with Everton now firmly in their sights as they look to pull away from the bottom three while Villa are targeting a top-half finish under Steven Gerrard.
Victory for Newcastle would be their third in a row under Howe, and both sides have improved following managerial seasons midway through the season.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of today’s match.
When is Newcastle vs Aston Villa?
The match kicks off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 13 February.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage getting underway from 1pm. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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What is the team news?
Kieran Tripper is a doubt for Newcastle after picking up a late calf injury in the win against Everton, in which the England international scored his side’s third goal from a free-kick. Callum Wilson is out for several weeks, while , Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez are also out.
Matt Targett is unable to face his parent club so Dan Burn could make his debut at left-back, while Bruno Guimaraes could make his first start.
Philippe Coutinho is expected to be fit but Emi Buendia is a major doubt after picking up a knock against Leeds. Bertrand Traore has suffered a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for several weeks while Leon Bailey is still yet to return. Ezri Konsa is suspended after his late red card against Leeds.
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle: Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Shelvey, Willock, Guimaraes; Saint-Maximin, Wood, Fraser
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Mings, Hause, Digne; Luiz, Ramsey, McGinn; Watkins, Ings, Coutinho
Odds
Newcastle: 17/10
Draw: 23/10
Aston Villa: 13/8
Prediction
It’s a tough one to call as both sides have plenty of attacking quality, it just depends on how open the match becomes and who scores the first goal. Newcastle 1-2 Aston Villa
