Premier League: Showdown of Surprise Top-Six Clubs at Villa Park

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

Two of the most in-form teams in the Premier League outside the two title contenders will square off as sixth-placed Aston Villa host third-placed Newcastle United.

The Villans have undergone a spectacular turnaround under Unai Emery as they’ve gone unbeaten in their last seven matches. Now, they are set to go head-to-head with Eddie Howe, who took over the Newcastle job after Emery turned it down in 2021.

Howe has done an equally brilliant job leading the Magpies to the cusp of a top-four finish – and a return to the Champions League.

And they can further improve their Premier League 2023 odds of clinching that top-four spot with a key win at Villa Park.

Talking Points

Emery’s Aston Villa riding seven-match unbeaten run

Unai Emery passed on his chance to return to the Premier League as he turned down Newcastle United in 2021. But he made the decision to join Aston Villa after they sacked Steven Gerrard earlier this season, and that move has proven to be an outstanding one for both parties.

The Spaniard has spearheaded a remarkable turnaround at Villa Park, with the Villans rising to sixth in the Premier League on the strength of a seven-match unbeaten streak (six wins and a draw).

While it has been a relatively easy stretch of their schedule – all seven of the teams they faced were in the bottom half of the table – Villa’s consistency has nevertheless been quite impressive.

Emery has instilled his trademark defensive solidity onto a side that doesn’t possess the greatest individual talent; they have conceded just two goals during their recent unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins has consistently been producing Premier League 2023 highlights as the main man in the Villa attack, scoring 9 goals in his last 11 games.

Watkins’ strike partner, Leon Bailey, picked up a hamstring injury in their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last time out and will miss the match. Bertrand Traore, who has scored in back-to-back games, is expected to start in Bailey’s place.

Howe’s Newcastle still on course for Champions League

Newcastle United are not really regretting missing out on Emery, as Eddie Howe has the club close to a coveted Champions League spot. The Magpies are in third place, tied on points with Manchester United and three points clear of Tottenham with a game in hand.

Newcastle did not let the recent disappointments of their EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester United, coupled with back-to-back Premier League defeats to Liverpool and Man City, get them down.

They have come back strong after those setbacks, winning each of the last five Premier League games. That includes a 2-0 win over Man United, as well as back-to-back away wins at West Ham and Brentford.

Alexander Isak has been instrumental in their current winning run. The Swede has scored five goals in his last five games and is starting to look like the top centre-forward Newcastle broke their transfer record to sign.

They also have Callum Wilson returning to top form. After scoring just once in the span of four months, Wilson has three goals and an assist in his last three games to provide Howe with a dangerous weapon off the bench.

However, Howe will be without electric winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who is dealing with a thigh injury. Leading scorer Miguel Almiron has also missed the last month with a thigh issue, but while he has returned to training, it remains to be seen whether he will be ready to start this weekend.

History

Aston Villa and Newcastle have squared off 51 times in the Premier League. Newcastle hold a commanding 24-11 advantage in wins, with 16 draws.

Villa went unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings, but Newcastle have since won back-to-back games at home. That includes a 4-0 thumping at St James’ Park in October, when Villa had caretaker manager Aaron Danks in charge. Callum Wilson bagged a brace, while Joelinton and Almiron scored the other two goals in the win.

Betting Tip 

SBOTOP odds have Newcastle installed as slight 2.16 favourites to come up with the away win at Villa Park. The Villans are priced at 3.10, while a draw is 3.20.

This match is a close one to call, with both clubs in fantastic form. Emery has Villa playing impressive defence, and it will be tough for Newcastle to break them down, especially without both Almiron and Saint-Maximin. Therefore, this showdown of surprising top-six clubs could very well end in a stalemate.

 

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