Aston Villa host Newcastle United on Sunday, and should results elsewhere go against them on Saturday, they may begin the game in the relegation places. With Wolves, West Brom and Birmingham also struggling it could be a bad season for the Midlands clubs.
Gérard Houllier has had a tough time since taking over at Villa in September, with predecessor Martin O'Neill's success casting a large shadow over his tenure. Recent talk of his replacement at Liverpool, Rafa Benitez, taking an interest in returning to England can't have added any stability - he's currently second favourite with some bookmakers to replace Houllier again. Positive news includes the strong performances from Stewart Downing and Ashley Young for England; Villa fans will hope they can continue in the same vein for their club. Sunday's game represents a good chance to pick up points, with Villa potentially at full strength, in contrast to Newcastle who will be missing several players.
Gosling, Ben Arfa, Smith and Best miss out for Newcastle through injury, while Nolan, Perch and Tiote are serving suspensions. Stephen Ireland is ruled out by virtue of his loan from Villa, further limiting Alan Pardew's options. Newcastle aren't out of the woods yet - they sit seven points clear of the drop zone with seven games to play including three sides above them - Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. While 40 points is the traditional benchmark for safety, this season it may not be enough for either of these sides.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Premier league
Date: 10 April, 2011 - 16:00 GMT
Stadium: Villa Park, Birmingham
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Aston Villa: Keeper: Friedel
Defenders: Young, Dunne, Collins, Walker
Midfielders: Downing, Young, Makoun, Reo-Cokker,
Forwards: Agbonlahor, Bent
Coach: Gérard Houllier
Injured:
Booked:-
Newcastle United: Keeper: Harper
Defenders: Coloccini, Enrique, Williamson, Simpson
Midfielders: Taylor, Nolan, Gutierrez, Tiote
Forwards: Lovenkrands, Best
Coach: Alan Pardew
Injured: Gosling, Ben Arfa, Smith, Best
Booked:-
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Matches:
13 Yellow cards:
45 Red cards:
2Conditions: Mostly sunny
18/8 °C
Last match: 22. August 2010, Newcastle United - Aston Villa
6-0Matches Played:
144 Wins Aston Villa:
51Win Newcastle United:
62Draws:
31
It is going to be is certainly an interesting game, Newcastle sit seven points clear of the drop zone with seven games to play including three sides above them. Sunday's game represents a good chance to pick up points for Villa, with potentially at full strength, in contrast to Newcastle who will be missing several players
The best odds to this game you find at:
bet365, betfair and
888sport.
