Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Thursday's Premier League action sees Newcastle United go into an important fixture with Aston Villa at St. James' Park on December 26, 2024, with both teams entering in fantastic form, the home side fresh from a series of emphatic results on home turf. Let's examine in some detail the head-to-head statistics between these two powerhouses of the Premier League and take a deeper dive into what will prove important from each in this clash.
Head-to-Head Record
Traditionally, Newcastle and Aston Villa have faced off against each other many times in the Premier League, with both teams registering a number of wins. A brief synopsis of their more recent matches is listed below.
- Matches Played: 47
- Wins Newcastle United: 18
- Wins Aston Villa: 12
- **Draws: 17 ***
Speaking of goals, both teams have scored an average of 2.34 goals per match in their previous head-to-heads, with both teams displaying exciting and attacking styles of play.
Recent Form
Newcastle will be seeking to continue their unbeaten run at home against Villa. The Magpies have been in control at St. James' Park, not losing in their last 15 Premier League home games against Aston Villa, with 9 wins and 6 draws. The most recent win came in August 2023, where they trounced Villa 5-1, with Alexander Isak bagging a brace.
On the other hand, Aston Villa has struggled in recent years away to Newcastle but remain a formidable side nonetheless. Under the stewardship of manager Unai Emery, Villa has proved resilient and flashy. They will go all out to break this poor record at St James' Park.
Key Players to Watch
- Newcastle:
- Alexander Isak: The Swedish forward has been in sensational form, having already netted multiple times this season.
- Sandro Tonali: Having been the midfield maestro from Newcastle, he has kept the rhythm of the game going.
- Aston Villa:
- Ollie Watkins: Villa's top scorer, Watkins will be indispensable in Villa's attacking scheme of things.
- Emiliano Martinez: He will play the role of last man standing for the team, especially against a high-powered Newcastle attack.
Match Prediction
One will expect a tight encounter, but going by the good home form of Newcastle and their attacking form, they are likely to pip Aston Villa. Their victory charge is further propelled knowing that they have won three on the trot against Villa, including last season's 5-1 demolition.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Aston Villa
Key Stats and Insights
- Win Probability:
- Newcastle: 49.6%
- Aston Villa: 25.9%
Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Kick-Off Time: 6:00 PM (EAT)
This is going to be one tantalizing clash as Newcastle tries to hold on to the good start at home this season while Villa try to turn over their past agonies against Newcastle away at St James' Park. Fans expect a beautiful and action-filled match.