Overview
Last weekend, Newcastle defeated Ipswich Town 4-0. This was also their third consecutive victory in all competitions. In particular, the attack of coach Eddie Howe's team is playing extremely explosively. In the last 5 matches, the "Magpies" have scored 15 goals.
In the upcoming match, Newcastle will return to their home stadium St James' Park to welcome Aston Villa. This is considered a huge advantage for Newcastle because they have an impressive home record. Since the beginning of the tournament, Eddie Howe's team has defeated Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and drawn with Man City and Liverpool. In the most recent match, they beat Brentford 3-1 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Newcastle's recent fine form has coincided with a return to form for Alexander Isak, who has scored six goals in his last four Premier League games. The Swede also scored a brace at St' James' Park last season against Villa.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are rejoicing after a 2-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester City. However, the next match at Newcastle promises to be another big test for coach Unai Emery's team.
In the Premier League, Aston Villa have lost their last four away games, against Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham.
In addition, Aston Villa have lost 4 of their last 6 meetings with Newcastle, winning only 1 match. Not to mention, the Villa Park team has conceded 11 goals in just 3 recent meetings. It is likely that Emery's team will have to accept another defeat.
Human resources situation
Newcastle will be without Joelinton, Callum Wilson and goalkeeper Nick Pope, all of whom are sidelined through injury. Isak will continue to lead the line with Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon supporting him.
On the other side of the front line, Jacob Ramsey and Diego Carlos are the only absent players for Aston Villa as both are sidelined due to injury.
Expected lineup:
Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonality, Guimaraes, Willock, Murphy, Gordon, Isak.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Digne, Torres, Konsa, Cash, Onana, McGinn, Bailey, Tielemans, Rogers, Duran.
The match between Newcastle and Aston Villa takes place at 22:00 on December 26 (Vietnam time).
