A meeting of two sides at Villa Park on Saturday still to taste defeat in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle travel to the Midlands just six days after their 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers. Alan Pardew’s side have made a surprisingly positive start to the season despite the doom and gloom that never seems to shift from St James’ Park. Eight points from their opening fixtures represents a fantastic return although goal scoring remains a worry with the Magpies only hitting the back of the net three times so far. The Toon Army don’t have the best record at Villa Park and with their weakness up front they could be in for a tough afternoon up against former keeper Shay Given. Relying on a stern defence that has conceded only one goal will only get the Magpies so far.
Alex McLeish’s side have made similarly strong start to the season although the former Birmingham boss has still not fully endeared himself to the Villa Park faithful. Admittedly they were lucky to snatch a point away at Everton last week but that visible resilience is the hallmark of McLeish’s prowess as a man manager. The Scot has the expertise and knowledge of grinding an extra 20% out of his players and it’s evident already this season with Villa pushing themselves right to the very end of games. It’s certainly worked for Gabriel Agbonlahor who looks a completely different player to the one who drifted in and out games last season.
Emile Heskey is the host’s only injury concern with the England striker definitely missing with a hamstring problem. Deadline day signing Jermaine Jenas is also out and won’t be able to take the field against his former club.
Newcastle suffered a huge blow in midweek when new boy Davide Santon suffered a knee injury that could require surgery. However there is good news on Tyneside with Hatem Ben Arfa back in training.
Key Players
Darren Bent: With Newcastle’s defence watertight it will be up to the England man to breach the black and white line and fire the goals to maintain his sides unbeaten start to the campaign.
Jonas Gutierrez: With the injury to Santon likely to see Ryan Taylor continue at left back it will be the Argentine’s job to offer him some protection up against former Magpie Charles N’Zogbia.
Verdict: 1-1
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