Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo. Aston Villa v Newcastle will take place on Saturday.

Villa have since had to close their training ground for 10 days and go almost three weeks without a Premier League fixture, finally returning to top-flight action for the first time since New Year's Day on Wednesday night.

It could hardly have been a tougher assignment for Dean Smith's side as they came up against an in-form Manchester City side at the Etihad Stadium, but the visitors quickly shook off any rustiness and gave as good as they got for much of the contest, according to SportMole.

The three games since that last win have been away to Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City - a difficult run from which Villa took just one point to fall into the bottom half of the table.

The picture does not get any prettier in all competitions either - just one goal in their last seven outings and no goals in their last five games away from home.

Indeed, the last time Newcastle scored an away goal in any competition was on December 16 in their 5-2 defeat at the hands of Leeds United, so their hopes of breaching what has been one of the league's sturdiest defences so far this season look slim.

Newcastle have failed to score in their last three Premier League visits to Villa too, a run stretching back to 2013, but Bruce might take some encouragement from the fact that Villa have been better away from home than they have on their own turf so far this season.

Saturday's hosts have also only won one of their last 12 Premier League meetings with Newcastle, although that victory did come in this exact fixture last season to make it four games unbeaten against the Magpies.

When is Aston Villa v Newcastle on TV?

Aston Villa v Newcastle will take place on Saturday 23rd January 2021.

What time is kick-off?

Aston Villa v Newcastle will kick off at 8pm. This is the only Premier League game being played this weekend.

Team news

Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.

Aston Villa's John McGinn is banned for Saturday's Premier League visit of Newcastle, Sky News reported.

The midfielder collected his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City, while boss Dean Smith will also serve a touchline ban having been sent off.

Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin is back in the squad for the trip to Villa Park after an eight-week Covid-19 lay-off.

The Frenchman, who last played against Chelsea on November 21, has trained this week after being particularly hard hit by a coronavirus outbreak, the after-effects of which have left Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar still struggling.

Ryan Fraser is available after completing a one-match ban, but Paul Dummett will miss out once again as he attempts to work his way back from a hamstring problem and Ciaran Clark is a doubt with a calf injury.

Aston Villa Premier League form: DWWDLL

Aston Villa form (all competitions): WWDLLL

Newcastle United Premier League form: DLDLLL

Newcastle United form (all competitions): LDLLLL

How to watch

Aston Villa vs Newcastle will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 7.30pm on Saturday; kick-off at 8pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Free highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, Nakamba; El Ghazi, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Darlow; Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis; Almiron, Shelvey, Hendrick, Fraser; Carroll, Wilson

How to live stream Aston Villa v Newcastle online

You can watch the match with a Sky Sports day pass for £9.99 or a month pass for £33.99 without signing up to a contract.

NOW TV can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW TV is also available via BT Sport.

Existing Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices.

Aston Villa v Newcastle predictions

Neither side is hitting top form right now but with Newcastle it looks as though their issues aren’t going away any time soon. Villa have performed well this season and their league position is down to having played fewer games than those around them.

Manager Dean Smith will have a strong side to choose from, with the likes of Jack Grealish, Oli Watkins and John McGinn performing well.

Villa should have no issue with Newcastle here, especially at home. The Toon are seriously lacking in morale and Smith will instruct his men to go at it hard from kick-off.

Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle (12/1 at bet365)

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