• Newcastle have scored just one goal in their last five league fixtures combined.
• Newcastle lost to nil in each of their last three away games.
• Aston Villa have scored one or fewer goals in seven of their last nine Premier League assignments.
• Newcastle have lost five of their last six Premier League away matches.

Villa aiming to restraighten their course

Stinging from back-to-back defeats against the Manchester giants, Aston Villa need a win to drag themselves back into the top half of the table, and the Villains should be able to claim the points they need against an out-of-sorts Newcastle team on Saturday.

Villa’s campaign has been hit by some COVID-19 led interruptions and absentees of late, though Dean Smith was still able to name a largely full-strength side in the club’s mid-week reverse at title favourites Man City.

The Villains gave an excellent account of themselves at the Etihad Stadium despite their eventual defeat, though we expect them to get back on track at home to Newcastle this weekend.

Magpies flying low

Newcastle meanwhile, are without a win in nine assignments ahead of their trip to the Midlands, and the Magpies’ dreadful performances in front of goal continue to be a major concern.

Steve Bruce’s ailing side managed to score just one goal in their last five Premier League fixtures combined, while Newcastle were beaten to nil in each of their last three tests on the road – a sequence that includes an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at bottom club Sheffield United.

Villa to eke out a win

Newcastle look a team completely devoid of confidence at present, and with Steve Bruce struggling to drag performances out of his players, and the United’s managers’ overly defensive tactical outlook drawing buckets of criticism, we expect the Magpies to be shot down again on Saturday.

A glut of goals for the hosts looks unlikely however. Villa have scored one or fewer goals in seven of their last nine Premier League matches, and two of their star attackers are in the midst of dry spells.

Ollie Watkins is without a goal in nine Premier League appearances, and while Jack Grealish’s creative powers remain potent, the Villa talisman has scored just once in 10 starts.

A single goal, however, should be enough to break Newcastle’s resolve on Saturday. The Magpies have lost five of their last six Premier League matches on their travels, and with their self-belief shot, we expect the Villains to eventually break them down.

With that considered, it’s worth backing the Villa and under 2.5 goals combination for Saturday’s clash, while a 1-0 correct score prediction is also advised.

Aston Villa injuries and team news

Kortney Hause, Trézéguet and Wesley are expected to miss out again for Aston Villa this weekend, while suspended midfielder John McGinn will also be absent.

Matt Targett came off against Man City in mid-week with what looked a hamstring injury, and the fullback could well join his aforementioned teammates on the sidelines.

Newcastle United injuries and team news

Ryan Fraser is available again having served his suspension, while Allan Saint-Maximin could make his long awaited return after a bout of COVID-19.

Centre half Federico Fernandez is rated as doubtful however, and the Argentine defender should be absent from what will probably be a central defensive trio for the Magpies.