
Newcastle will look to close the gap on those all important Champions League spots when they face Aston Villa at St. James' Park on Sunday. Both sides failed to win their last Premier League match heading into this fixture, although the hosts have only lost twice at home in the league this campaign.
Our Premier League tipster Nathan Joyes analyses the action and puts forward his best bet.
The main reason why Newcastle are currently sat in 8th is largely down to their poor away form. And heading into this match on the back of a 0-0 draw against Wolves at the Molineux is a prime example of their inability to pick up three points away from St. James' Park.
However, at home, Newcastle have won of the best home records in the league. Only four other teams have picked up more than 23 points from 11 matches, and only three have scored more than Newcastle.
Bruno Guimaraes' form has been frightening this campaign, who has taken over as their top goalscorer this season with eight, although Nick Woltemade is just behind him with seven.
Eddie Howe knows exactly how to get a tune out of his side in front of his own supporters, but having lost to Arsenal and Liverpool earlier in the campaign, Aston Villa is going to prove another tough test on Sunday afternoon.
Although Aston Villa suffered a rare home defeat last time out against Everton, Unai Emery's men travel rather well.
Having won three of their last five away matches - only losing to Arsenal - Villa rarely suffer away from their home comforts.
Last time out on the road Villa picked off Spurs in the FA Cup thanks to first half strikes from Emiliano Buendia - who's scored important goals this season - as well as Morgan Rogers - who's knocking on Thomas Tuchel's door after an incredible campaign to date.
However, despite Villa's good form, they have only managed to keep two clean sheets in the Premier League on their travels. That needs to improve if they are to maintain tabs on both Arsenal and Man City at the top of the table.
Newcastle have won three of their last five meetings against Aston Villa, although they have failed to win the last two head-to-heads in 2025. Aston Villa, however, haven't won at St. James' Park since 2005 - failing to win any of their last 18 meetings.
With Newcastle proving difficult to beat and holding an extremely strong record against Aston Villa at St. James' Park, the hosts will be a popular pick amongst punters. But are they right?
Nathan Joyes has taken a look at the Premier League betting and provides his best angle below.
Newcastle (10/11 with Betfred) are slightly odds-on to beat Aston Villa (13/5 with Betano) on Sunday afternoon - and perhaps that is justified.
Despite Aston Villa having the 3rd best away form in the Premier League, recent performances haven't been at their best. Losing to Arsenal 4-1, drawing with Palace at Selhurst Park and then losing 1-0 to Everton wasn't part of the script as they chase a Champions League spot.
Their lack of clean sheets on the road is a concern and returning from a midweek trip to Turkey might well catch them out during this hectic period.
Newcastle have the advantage of playing their Champions League match at home, and not having to travel gives them an edge of Emery's side.
At home, they've been so strong and clearly Aston Villa don't enjoy their trips up north having not won their in over two decades. Villa are going through a dip in form right now, and the hosts can look to strike once more in front of their fans.
TIP: Newcastle to win at 10/11 with BetMGM.
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