Two in-form teams face off in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.

Newcastle is riding a wave of momentum, having won three consecutive matches, including a cup game.

At home, they've been formidable, with just one loss in their last five matches—a 0-2 defeat to West Ham—alongside three wins and a draw.

Historically, Newcastle holds a clear edge over Aston Villa, having not lost to them since 2005.

This strong record, combined with their current form, gives them added confidence heading into the clash. In terms of playing style, Newcastle thrives on pressing opponents who prefer to build from the back.

This relentless pressure often forces errors, leading to easy scoring opportunities. Aston Villa, with their defensive frailties—16 goals conceded in just eight matches, an average of two per game—could provide the perfect scenario for Newcastle to exploit.

Villa's struggles are particularly pronounced on the road.

While they usually manage to find the net, their defense has yet to keep a clean sheet away from home. Their last visit to Newcastle ended in a heavy 5-1 defeat.

Unai Emery is likely to take a more cautious tactical approach this time.

Expect Villa to focus on containing Newcastle’s attack and avoiding another high-scoring loss.