Newcastle vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Newcastle have won four of their last six home games across all competitions.
• Aston Villa have five defeats in their last six away.
• Newcastle won both league meetings last season.

In-form pair clash at St James’

Two of the Premier League’s form sides meet at St James’ Park on Boxing Day as Newcastle entertain Aston Villa.

Villa sit seventh in the standings with 28 points after winning three of their last four games, becoming the latest team to beat Manchester City on Saturday with a 2-1 success at Villa Park.

The Magpies come into this game on the back of consecutive 4-0 league wins, against Leicester and Ipswich, and between these two victories they booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Newcastle can continue Villa dominance

Both of these teams are gunning for a place in Europe next season and Newcastle can make the most of home advantage as they look to strike a blow to a key rival.

Eddie Howe’s men have a respectable 14 points from eight games at home and they’ve faced some tough opposition, having beaten the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea (in the EFL Cup), as well as claiming draws with City and Liverpool.

Villa picked up 10 points from the first 12 available on their travels in the league but their road form has nosedived and they’ve lost their last four away games. Unai Emery’s men have had some tricky trips, but they have five defeats in six away fixtures across all competitions suggesting the problem isn’t just the calibre of opposition.

Newcastle had the measure of Villa last season as they won both league meetings. The Magpies thrashed Villa 5-1 at this ground last season and the manner of victory may not be quite so convincing this time around but they can still win comfortable and a 3-1 home win looks a reasonable correct score prediction.

Newcastle have scored at least three goals in four of their last five games, while Villa have shipped 11 goals in total across their last four league trips but did at least score in both defeats to their hosts last season and they’ve scored in five consecutive games overall so they can at least get on the scoresheet.

Isak on a hot-streak

Newcastle’s fine form has been in part due to a purple patch from Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker grabbed his first hat-trick for the North East club in the 4-0 win at Ipswich over the weekend and has now scored in four consecutive league games.

Isak has 10 goals in 15 Premier League appearances this season, putting him in fourth place in the scoring charts, and he can add to his haul against Villa over the Christmas period.

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