Aston Villa vs Newcastle Prediction & Betting Tips (30 January)

Following on from its great last season, Aston Villa are making a big impression this season. The Birmingham-based team is currently 4th in the Premier League and is 3 points ahead of 5th place, which does not qualify for the next Champions League. Sure of their strength, the Villans have lost only one of their last 10 championship matches, for 6 wins and 3 draws. Beaten in the lair of Manchester United despite a 2-goal advantage at the break 3-2, they then dominated Burnley 3-2 before taking a point from Everton 0-0. Last weekend, Aston Villa drew at Chelsea 0-0 and will therefore have to play a replay in the FA Cup. Leader of its Europa Conference League group, Aston Villa is qualified for the round of 16.

Returning to the forefront during the previous year, Newcastle is struggling to confirm this season. The residents of Saint James Park currently only occupy 10th place in the Premier League and should have great difficulty securing a European jump seat, 11 points behind 5th place. In tough at the moment, they have lost their last 4 league games played against Luton 1-0, Nottingham Forest 1-3, Newcastle 4-2 and Manchester City 2-3. Last weekend, Newcastle regained some confidence with this success acquired at Fuham in the FA Cup 0-2. Last in their Champions League group, the Magpies are eliminated from any European Cup.

The Aston Villa coach still deplores the withdrawals of the important left-back Digne, the long-term absentees Mings and Buendia and the number 2 goalkeeper Olsen. In addition, replacement winger Bertrand Traoré is involved in the CAN with Burkina Faso while the participation of senior defender Pau Torres remains pending. England international Watkins (9 goals and 8 assists in the PL) plays a leading role for the Villans. On the other hand, he has not scored in the last 6 matches played in all competitions. This winter, the promising right back Nedeljkovic (18 years old) was recruited but he will finish the season on loan with his club (Red Star Belgrade). Note the departure on loan of the experienced Belgian midfielder Dendoncker (Naples).

For Newcastle, the captains Pope and Joelinton, the potential holders Anderson, Willock (midfielders) and Barnes (winger) and the replacement Targett (lateral) still fill the ranks of the infirmary. Added to this is the long suspension of Italian midfielder Tonali following his involvement in a sports betting affair. Also absent recently, striker Wilson (7 goals in PL) could make his return this week and bring a little competition in an offensive sector where we find the influential Gordon (7 goals and 5 assists in PL) and Isak ( 10 goals in PL). Close to committing to Saudi Arabia, winger Almiron finally refused the transfer. Replacement full-back Manquillo (Celta Vigo) has set sail.