Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Premier League preview, team news and prediction

View Image

St James' Park sets the stage for a compelling Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle United host Aston Villa. The Magpies currently trail the Lions by 10 points in the table, but Villa’s hopes of mounting a title challenge have been dented by a series of recent setbacks.

Newcastle’s most recent league outing saw them held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite recording their highest-ever Premier League pass success rate (94%), Eddie Howe’s side failed to register a shot on target in the first half and couldn’t find their scoring touch after the break either, bringing an end to their three-match winning streak. That result leaves Newcastle eighth in the standings and outside the European places, though just three points separate them from fourth-placed Liverpool in a tightly contested race for continental qualification.

Despite their stumble at Molineux, Newcastle have been formidable at home, scoring at least twice in each of their last eight Premier League matches at St James’ Park and remaining unbeaten in all of them, including victories in both of their home games so far in 2026. The last time the Magpies opened a calendar year with three consecutive top-flight wins was in 2012—coincidentally, Aston Villa were their third opponent then as well. Howe’s men also impressed in midweek, cruising to a 3-0 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

Aston Villa arrive in the North East buoyed by a 1-0 Europa League victory over Fenerbahce, thanks to a goal from Jadon Sancho, which helped them quickly recover from their own domestic disappointment. Still considered surprise title contenders alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, Unai Emery’s squad missed the chance to close the gap at the top after a rare home defeat to Everton. Thierno Barry’s clever finish ended Villa’s remarkable 11-match winning streak at Villa Park, leaving them seven points behind leaders Arsenal but still comfortably seven points clear of fourth place as the season heads towards its climax.

Villa’s defeat to Everton also marked the second consecutive home league match in which they failed to score, and their away goal statistics are less than encouraging. While Villa boast the joint second-best away record in the league this season, they have conceded 16 goals on their travels—one more than they’ve scored (15)—which is hardly ideal ahead of a visit to a ground where they have failed to win in their last 17 top-flight attempts.

Newcastle’s convincing win over PSV came with a significant concern, as key midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was forced off just before halftime with an ankle injury. Eddie Howe remains hopeful that the Brazilian will recover in time for the weekend, but his absence would be a major blow—Newcastle have yet to win a Premier League match without Guimaraes in the starting lineup since his arrival. While Lewis Miley, Joe Willock, and Jacob Ramsey are available as like-for-like replacements, none offer the same influence as Guimaraes.

On the injury front, Dan Burn (rib) and Will Osula (ankle) are pushing to return, but Tino Livramento (hamstring), Emil Krafth (knee), Fabian Schar (ankle), and Jacob Murphy (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, emerged from their Europa League win over Fenerbahce without any new injuries. However, John McGinn was forced off early against Everton with a knee issue that is expected to keep him out for several weeks. Fellow midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Ross Barkley are also still unavailable due to knee injuries, while first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (calf) will need to be assessed after missing the midweek fixture.

On a positive note, Amadou Onana is back to full fitness and could replace Lamare Bogarde in midfield. Jadon Sancho, fresh off becoming only the second Englishman to score for four different clubs in UEFA competitions—a feat previously achieved by Peter Crouch—should keep his place in the attack.

18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change

If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site.

Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here .

Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only

READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers

Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.