By Nathan John
European chasing Aston Villa travel to St. James’ Park on Friday evening to face a struggling Newcastle United as Dean Smith’s men look to return to winning ways and push for Europa League positions.
Aston Villa come into this game midtable in 9th position in the Premier League looking to return to winning ways following two poor results against Sheffield United and Wolves. Newcastle on the other hand are without a win since January 30th when they grabbed a 2-0 win at Goodison Park over Everton and sit just one point above the relegation zone in 16th position.
Drama at both ends of the table pic.twitter.com/60QOCkMNJI
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 10, 2021
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce admitted responsibility for his sides recent poor form saying “the bucks starts with me and I have to take full responsibility for the side’s recent form”, following major criticism in recent weeks from fans and media. The Magpies are in trouble of facing their first potential relegation from the Premier League since 2016.
With top scorer Callum Wilson out due to injury, the hosts are struggling for goals, having scored just two goals in their last four since the front man has been out. Villa have experienced a similar fortune of late with striker Oli Watkins having dried up for goals of late, having failed to net in their last two outings.
Villa manager Dean Smith responded to recent criticism from fans over his team’s set piece routines, in particular regarding in-swinging corners, saying “I don’t understand the backlash if we’re fifth in the table for goals scored from set-pieces. We’ve got good delivery and we’ve got a lot more players making first contacts than they ever were before.”
The midlands club are on the push for Europe and the visit to Newcastle gifts the chance for them to go level on points with Liverpool in Eighth position with two games in hand on the Champions. A victory in both of their games in hand could push Villa to within four points of the top four.
Kick off is at 20:00 (GMT) Friday evening (12th March)
