Newcastle welcome Aston Villa to St James’ Park on Saturday, hoping their supporters have recovered from Monday night’s trip to Coventry.
The Magpies were beaten 4-1 by the newly promoted side. It was their second 4-1 away defeat in three Premier League matches.
Matthias Jaissle’s side have now conceded 13 league goals, the joint-worst defensive record in the division.
Villa, meanwhile, arrive after thrashing Fenerbahçe 6-0 in the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s side have struggled domestically, sitting 16th after six games. However, three consecutive away victories across all competitions suggest their fortunes are improving.
Newcastle are unbeaten at home this season, but Villa’s attacking form makes Saturday’s meeting particularly interesting.
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What are the best betting tips for Newcastle vs Aston Villa?
Aston Villa to win and both teams to score
Newcastle have conceded four goals against both Leeds and Coventry in their last three league matches.
Villa have found their scoring touch, hitting six against Fenerbahçe and three in their away victory over Tottenham.
However, Newcastle have scored in every league game this season. They’re also unbeaten at St James’ Park.
Backing Villa to win while both teams score looks a more interesting option than simply choosing the visitors.
Nicolas Jackson to score anytime
Nicolas Jackson couldn’t have asked for a much better confidence boost before facing Newcastle.
The Villa striker scored twice against Fenerbahçe on Wednesday, taking his tally to four goals in three matches.
Newcastle have conceded 13 league goals and allowed 107 shots, the second-highest total in the division.
Jackson should get opportunities against a defence that has looked particularly vulnerable recently.
Over 4.5 total goals
Newcastle’s recent away matches have been a defensive disaster.
They’ve conceded eight goals across their defeats to Leeds and Coventry, while Villa have scored at least three in four of their last six matches across all competitions.
Newcastle’s three home league games have produced 12 goals, including two entertaining 2-2 draws.
Five goals is a demanding target, but both sides have the attacking quality to make this an open contest.
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Where can I watch Newcastle vs Aston Villa?
Newcastle vs Aston Villa kicks off at 5:30 pm BST on Saturday, October 17, at St James’ Park.
United Kingdom: The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
United States: Kick-off is at 12:30 pm ET. Check NBC Sports and Peacock for the confirmed broadcaster.
Canada: Premier League coverage is available through Fubo Canada, with kick-off at 12:30 pm ET.
What is Newcastle’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-3-3
Horníček; Dedić, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Nico González, Willock; Murphy, Osula, Barnes.
Injured: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Ewen Jaouen.
Doubts: Tino Livramento, Bazoumana Touré.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Matthias Jaissle has several injury concerns ahead of Saturday.
Anthony Elanga remains sidelined, while Jacob Ramsey is unlikely to face his former club.
Tino Livramento is also recovering from injury.
However, Bazoumana Touré could feature after making progress following the knock he suffered against Coventry.
Joelinton and Dan Burn returned to action on Monday, although Burn is unlikely to start.
William Osula could replace Yoane Wissa in attack, while Joelinton is pushing for his first start of the season.
Jaissle will demand a much-improved defensive performance after Newcastle’s latest defeat.
What is Aston Villa’s predicted team?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Suzuki; Cash, Lindelöf, Torres, Wan-Bissaka; Kamara, João Gomes; McGinn, Buendía, Manzambi; Jackson.
Injured: Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Matteo Ruggeri, Modou Cissé.
Doubts: George Hemmings, Brian Madjo.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Unai Emery could make several changes following Wednesday’s Champions League victory.
Matteo Ruggeri is unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury against Brentford.
Ian Maatsen also remains sidelined, leaving Villa short of options at left-back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could fill that position again.
João Gomes is expected to return in midfield, while Emiliano Buendía could replace Ross Barkley.
Nicolas Jackson should lead the attack after scoring twice against Fenerbahçe.
The striker has four goals in his last three appearances and will fancy his chances against Newcastle’s struggling defence.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa prediction
Newcastle have been difficult to beat at home, but their recent defensive performances are a major concern.
Conceding four goals against Leeds was bad enough. Repeating the trick against Coventry hardly suggests the problem has been fixed.
Villa have struggled in the Premier League, although their recent results point towards an improvement.
Emery’s side have won three consecutive away matches across all competitions and arrive after scoring six in Europe.
Newcastle should create chances, particularly with the St James’ Park crowd behind them.
However, Villa have the attacking quality to punish the hosts’ defensive mistakes.
I expect goals at both ends, with the visitors edging an entertaining contest.
Score prediction: Newcastle 2-3 Aston Villa
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