Newcastle’s hectic January continues this Sunday, as we return to Premier League action to take on third place Aston Villa.
Six games into the new year, we’ve had a few bumps in the road this month – a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the cup semi final and drab 0-0 draw at Wolves – but we’ve come through victorious four times, beating Crystal Palace and Leeds in the league, overcoming Bournemouth on penalties in the FA Cup and producing an accomplished display from start to finish to see off PSV 3-0 in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash.
This weekend is undoubtedly our toughest league test of 2026 so far, as Unai Emery’s side arrives knowing a win would keep them in title contention and move them 13 points clear of Newcastle.
However, with 12 wins, two draws and just one defeat in our last 15 at St James’ Park, we’ve shown to be strong on home turf, and have also had an extra days rest after the Villains where at Fenerbahce in Europa League action on Thursday night.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s 2pm kick-off, Howe had this to say about the tricky test ahead:
“They have had a great season so far. They have a clear way of playing and clear structures in their style.
“They have gone on a good run and found ways to win – as we know, that is hard to do at this level and in this league. Full credit to the coach and his players.
“We know this will be a really difficult game. It was really competitive when we met at the start of the season. Let’s hope we can bring our A game.”
Bruno Guimaraes will be given every chance, but it’s not clear if he’ll be able to shake off an ankle issue in time after limping off in pain on Wednesday night.
Dan Burn has a chance of returning to to the squad, Will Osula is one to watch after training earlier this week and Jacob Murphy is also pushing to be back after sitting out of our last two games
Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento are out long term, while Emil Krafth will miss out once again alongside Jamaal Lascelles.
For Aston Villa, Tammy Abraham’s proposed move hasn’t gone through in time for him to feature and holding midfielder Boubacar Kamara will be absent following a season-ending knee injury.
(4-3-3): Pope – Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall – Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton – Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.
OUT: Trippier, Bruno
IN: Miley, Ramsey
After a confidence-boosting win in midweek that was done without exerting too much energy, we head into another home game in good spirits and in need of a bounce-bac result after drawing at Wolves last Sunday.
The big question may centre around Bruno. If he starts, I think we win. If he’s out, it’s a real challenge based on our poor record without the Brazilian.
However, I fancy us to be at it and get into a tiring Villa side who not only lost to Everton last weekend but had a tough game in Turkey on Thursday night.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Aston Villa
Howay the lads!
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