Aston Villa v Newcastle preview: Team news, lineups, supercomputer prediction
Aston Villa face a crucial match on Saturday in the Premier League against Newcastle United.
Both teams are aiming to establish themselves among the very best in the division, and are looking to finish in Champions League positions when the season is over.
With just five points between in the Premier League table, this match will be a crucial one for both in the race for Europe.
The Magpies are currently third in the table with 59 points, while Villa sit seventh with 54, showcasing just how tight it is between those teams right now.
There’s no real margin for error in any game for Villa or Newcastle with so many other teams involved in the push for European football as well, which makes this a must-win for both.
Aston Villa v Newcastle preview
Newcastle and Villa have proven their qualities throughout the Premier League campaign, and even though neither have been truly consistent, there’s more than enough pointing toward them being good enough to finish in the top five.
Villa head into this game fresh off the back of their European exit at the hands of PSG, but the positive performance they put together could give them hope of what they are capable of.
Unai Emery’s men proved they can be a threat against any team, but the Magpies also head into this match flying in confidence.
Newcastle could also place pressure on Arsenal if the Gunners continue to waver in the Premier League, which would lead to a very impressive finish for Eddie Howe’s side.
Aston Villa v Newcastle team news
Leon Bailey managed to find himself on the bench against PSG in midweek, which is a positive sign that he is making progress and could feature this weekend.
Other than that, Villa have a fully fit squad heading into the final stretch of the season, meaning Emery only needs to worry about who he wants to start from a tactical perspective.
Newcastle do have several injuries heading into this one, with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Lewis Hall all unavailable with long-term problems.
Predicted lineups
Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Torres, Disasi, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes
| Premier League table | Games Played | Won | Lost | Points |
| 7. Aston Villa | 32 | 15 | 8 | 54 |
Betting Odds
Aston Villa: 7/5
Draw: 27/10
Newcastle: 7/4
(All odds according to Bet365 as of 18 April)
Supercomputer Prediction
According to the Opta Supercomputer, it is Villa who are the favourites to win with 40.6 per cent, with a lot of that likely coming own to them being the home team.
Newcastle have a 34.3 per cent chance according to the supercomputer, with a draw being given a 25.1 per cent opportunity of happening.