Aston Villa are expected to take all three points when they visit Newcastle on the evening of 17 October for a seventh-round Premier League fixture, despite the hosts being regarded as the bookmakers’ favourites.
Newcastle have made an inconsistent start to the new English league season. Matthias Jaissle’s team have won two, drawn two and lost two of their six matches, leaving them 11th in the table on eight points.
Their goal difference is negative, with Newcastle having scored 10 goals and conceded 13. The Magpies’ recent record has also been mixed, with two defeats in their past nine matches.
Aston Villa’s campaign began particularly poorly, but Unai Emery has gradually improved the situation. Villa remain 16th in the Premier League, with five points from their opening six games, and are only two points clear of the relegation zone.
However, the club have built a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions, giving them grounds for confidence before their trip to St James’ Park.
The two sides have met 179 times. Newcastle hold the better overall record, having won 77 of those matches compared with Aston Villa’s 61 victories. The remaining 41 encounters ended in draws.
Newcastle’s latest result was a heavy 4-1 defeat by Coventry in the previous round. Aston Villa, by contrast, produced an emphatic result during the week by beating Fenerbahce 6-0.
That contrasting form has led to the prediction that Emery’s side are currently playing with greater confidence and will secure victory in the forthcoming match. The assessment favours Aston Villa to collect three points, even though bookmakers have made Newcastle the leading candidate before kick-off.