Newcastle United head into the Championships ninth round of fixtures following a two nil home defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Magpies, who had won five straight games before the upset, reversed the scoreline in the midweek EFL Cup fixture.
Now comes a real test though. Villa have struggled since Roberto Di Matteo arrived, stuttering inconsistent performances and results. Nevertheless, a heavily changed and invested playing staff could yet gel and mount a solid promotion push.
Newcastle United’s last away fixture ended six – nil to the Mags, with QPR being put to the sword in a classy display.
Vurnon Anita will miss out due to his late dismissal against Wolves, with an appeal lodged but subsequently denied by the powers that be.
Will Rafa change the side that lost to Wolves? A below par display throughout the side saw boo’s at full time.
Here’s our predicted XI for the game at Villa Park.
