Premier League

Newcastle vs Aston Villa prediction

In-form Newcastle United welcome managerless Aston Villa to St James’ Park on Saturday and the bookies have given surprisingly higher odds on Eddie Howe’s side that expected.

 The Magpies have won four of their last five Premier League games, scoring 12 and conceding just three. They have lost just once this season and head into the weekend in the UEFA Champions League places.

Unai Emery will be Steven Gerrard’s replacement as Aston Villa manager but this game will come too soon for the former Arsenal manager. Although they were 4-0 winners over Brentford in their first game post-Gerrard, they were winless in the four before and I’m not their defence are going to be able to keep out this Newcastle attack.

Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron have been fantastic this season and their form could continue against a Vill defence that includes Ashley Young and Ezri Konsa who have struggled defending in several games.

The visitors have also been quite goal shy this season. Prior to their 4-0 thrashing of Brentford this season, they had scored just seven goals in their first 12 Premier League fixtures. These odds seem too good to turn down on Newcastle.

Best bet: Newcastle to win is 1.85