Aston Villa FC vs Newcastle United, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Aston Villa FC vs Newcastle United Match Prediction & Analysis

Remarkably, Aston Villa and Newcastle face each other here a lot closer in the Premier League table than many would have thought not so long ago.

Unai Emery has worked wonders at Aston Villa since his appointment. While there will be ups and downs for Villa over the coming months under his management, they appear to be heading in the right direction.

The likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and others have all found form under the Spaniard and their league position has drastically improved as a result. A win here would blow the roof of Villa Park off.

Newcastle will have other ideas, of course. The Magpies are on a sensational run of their own, seeing off Manchester United two weekends back and then collecting fine away wins against West Ham and Brentford.

They have a tricky test here, one which they probably need to win to stay 3rd, with Manchester United level on points and playing Nottingham Forest a day later.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Aston Villa FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have scored in all 17 games under Emery

     Ollie Watkins’ sensational form continues to improve

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lost 4-0 to Newcastle earlier in the season

     Schedule gets tougher with Brentford, Fulham and Manchester United to come

Aston Villa’s form has been so good that they won’t fear anyone right now, not even a team as exciting and energetic as Newcastle.

The Magpies did beat Villa 4-0 in their first meeting this season, although Villa have come a long way since then, dispensing with Steven Gerrard and bringing in the excellent Unai Emery.

Indeed, only Arsenal and Manchester City have collected more points than Villa since the Spaniard’s appointment, showcasing their rise and improvement.

Their home form has been key to that meteoric climb, winning five of their nine games and drawing once. At home and away, they’ve only conceded one goal from their last six.

They know that Newcastle will present a tough challenge and there won’t be any grumbling from their crowd if things don’t go their way. If they do manage to win however, they will feel anything is possible.

Star Man – Ollie Watkins

One player who has been at the forefront of Emery’s revolution has been Watkins, who continues to go from strength-to-strength. He has nine goals in his last 11 games.

Newcastle United Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Five wins on the bounce puts them in charge for 3rd place

     Won 4-0 against Villa earlier in the season

Reasons to be fearful

     Conceded in each of their last five away from home

     Villa will be a tough prospect this weekend

Newcastle will look at Aston Villa right now and recognise similar signs that they saw within themselves just 12 months ago.

Villa are a growing force under Emery, just as the Magpies have been under Eddie Howe. While Villa still have a long way to go in their journey, Newcastle will understand that this will be a tough test for them.

That said, the Magpies have found exceptional form lately, at the right time of the season too as we approach the business end of the campaign. Five wins on the bounce have given them control over 3rd place.

They know that Manchester United can overtake them if they drop points against Villa, of course, but confidence is flowing through them right now.

Star Man – Alexander Isak

Isak has scored four goals from his last three away appearances and has shared the number 9 role well with Callum Wilson in recent weeks. His pace and technique give him the advantage over his rival, however.