Aston Villa will try to continue their run without a loss when they face Newcastle United away this weekend. The team managed by Unai Emery has multiple players missing through injury but comes into the match with confidence following a heavy win in the Champions League.
Several Villa players are unavailable for the game. Matteo Ruggeri is sidelined with a hamstring issue, and Ian Maatsen is still working his way back from an ankle injury. George Hemmings and Brian Madjo may not be fit to play, while Amadou Onana continues his long-term absence. Ross Barkley's fitness is also in question. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to fill in at left-back once more, and Leon Goretzka might be in line for a league start after coming off the bench in a European match.
Newcastle also face squad challenges. Bazoumana Toure is unavailable with an ankle problem, Tino Livramento is questionable due to a thigh complaint, and Anthony Elanga is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Former Villa player Jacob Ramsey is a significant doubt and is not expected to play.
Recent form and momentum
Villa's form has improved significantly. After not finding the net in their first few league matches, they have now won several and drawn one of their recent top-flight games. Notable results in this period include away wins against Tottenham and Coventry. Across their last seven games in all tournaments, they have found the net many times. Summer signing Nicolas Jackson has been key to this upturn, scoring several goals. Young winger Johan Manzambi has also been involved in multiple goals recently.
Despite this better attacking output, Villa's league position is in the bottom half, having taken only a few points from their matches so far and let in a number of goals. They trail the league leaders by a considerable margin. Their upcoming match is an important away game against Newcastle, who beat them earlier this year.
Newcastle's defensive frailties
Newcastle's results have been mixed, with wins, draws, and defeats in their last half-dozen outings. They suffered a heavy loss at Coventry in their most recent league fixture. Although they have been strong going forward and are undefeated at their own ground this season, they have managed only one league shutout. Every home game they have played this term has seen both teams score.
Newcastle's manager Matthias Jaissle recognized the team's difficulties. "We have been more convincing at home, but our defensive problems remain a concern," he said. Unai Emery spoke about his squad's belief.
Villa will hope to take advantage of those defensive issues and maintain their current good spell. The match begins on Saturday evening.
This story first appeared at starsportsbet.co.uk
