Aston Villa have lost two of their last three domestic home games
Newcastle have won five of the last nine matches between the teams
Recommended bet: Newcastle to qualify
Newcastle ended a 56-year wait for a trophy with last season’s EFL Cup triumph and they will be looking to edge closer to another Wembley appearance by targeting a victory away to Aston Villa in a heavyweight FA Cup encounter.
These days it is Aston Villa, who find themselves under the microscope as one of the biggest clubs without a recent habit of lifting silverware.
The West Midlands club have won the FA Cup seven times but the latest of those instances was back in 1957.
However, Unai Emery’s side are having another strong season and they consolidated third place in the Premier League with Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at home to Brighton.
Mid-table Newcastle are 14 points worse off but they approach the weekend in high spirits after Tuesday’s 2-1 triumph at Tottenham.
Team news
Debutant Alysson shook off a knee injury to feature as a substitute in Wednesday’s 1-0 triumph at home to Brighton. However, Youri Tielemans (ankle), John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara (both knee) and Andres Garcia (thigh) are ruled out and Matty Cash (knee inflammation) is a major doubt.
For the Magpies, Anthony Gordon (hamstring) returned to action for Tuesday’s fixture at Tottenham, while Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade started among the substitutes.
Bruno Guimaraes (muscle strain) was forced off towards the end of the midweek match and Joelinton (groin), Emil Krafth (knee), Tino Livramento (thigh) and Fabian Schar (ankle) are likely to remain out of contention.
The latest Aston Villa vs Newcastle odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Aston Villa have conceded the opening goal in three of their last four home fixtures.
Villa have scored less than two goals in five of their last seven fixtures.
Each of Newcastle's last four games have generated at least three goals.
Both teams have scored in Newcastle's last five matches.
Newcastle have broken the deadlock in three of their last four games.
Prediction
Newcastle have had a difficult start to the year but they gave an assured, high energy performance in the victory over Tottenham and can follow by ousting Aston Villa in a key contest for both clubs.
As two of the big, traditional clubs in English football, Villa and Newcastle are under pressure from their fans to commit fully to the knockout competitions.
Both might have preferred an easier draw, but the timing of the fixture looks more awkward for Villa, who are finding it difficult to perform without injured midfielders John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans.
Emery’s side secured a scrappy midweek win over Brighton but have had one day’s less rest than Newcastle, who are likely to provide stiffer opposition.
Eddie Howe’s side started and finished strongly in their success over Spurs and they can claim a second significant away win in five days.
Back Newcastle to qualify at 6/5 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Aston Villa vs Newcastle odds are available on LiveScore Bet
