Newcastle United take on Aston Villa in the Premier League tonight, and will go into the game as underdogs.
Unai Emery’s side are incredibly strong at home, and are yet to lose a game at Villa Park in the Premier League all season. That has been the foundation of their success, as they look to qualify for the Champions League.
They are hoping to replicate what Newcastle did last season, while the Magpies are hoping to re-find their form after tumbling down to 10th. Eddie Howe‘s side have been crippled by injuries, and it is likely going to result in them missing out on the top four.
Those injury issues continue to hinder Newcastle, who will arrive at Villa Park with a depleted squad. However, they will be boosted by the return of Miguel Almiron.
But this is a fixture that favours the home team, as Ally McCoist has pointed out on TalkSPORT.
Ally McCoist thinks Newcastle will lose against Aston Villa
McCoist has been discussing Aston Villa vs Newcastle United on TalkSPORT on Tuesday (9:55am), and he is backing Emery and co to pick up the win.
“What a game, looking forward to it, incredible fixture,” he said.
“I was having a wee look there at the notes we get sent, do you know the away team hasn’t won this fixture in 16 league meetings? It’s incredible.
“It’s a big game clearly for both sides, I fancy the home side just because of their home form.”
McCoist was then asked by Jeff Stelling if a defeat for Newcastle would raise more questions about Eddie Howe and his future at St James’ Park.
McCoist: “No. Well you never know in the madness of this game that we’re involved in and love so much, but in answer to your question, no and it shouldn’t.”
There should be no pressure on Eddie Howe if Newcastle lose
As McCoist says, there should be no pressure on Eddie Howe if Newcastle lose tonight against Aston Villa. It is an extremely tough game for the Magpies, at a stadium where even Manchester City lost this season.
There might be some noise from the media if Newcastle fall short this evening, but the Toon Army and the club’s owners will remain committed to Howe. Talk of him being under pressure is nonsense, but sadly it is part and parcel of the game.
He is set to take his side to a ground that they struggled at last season. It was one of Newcastle’s worst performances during an incredible campaign, as they lost 3-0 at Villa Park.
In contrast, Newcastle will be able to take some confidence from the reverse fixture earlier this season. They battered Villa 5-1 on the opening day, with Sandro Tonali announcing himself as a Toon player.
So much has happened since then, but a repeat performance could give Howe and Newcastle the platform they need to reignite a stuttering season.
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