Newcastle United vs Aston Villa. Premier League.
St James' Park, Newcastle.
Highlights published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after full time
Wednesday 24 June 2020 19:20, UK
Team news, stats and prediction ahead of Newcastle vs Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday (kick-off 6pm).
Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce expects to have an unchanged squad at his disposal for Wednesday night's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Matty Longstaff has returned to training after a thigh injury, but neither he nor his older brother Sean (muscle problem) is expected to be available.
Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark will not be included as they work their way back to full fitness, but Bruce has no fresh concerns after Sunday's 3-0 win over Sheffield United.
Danny Drinkwater will be assessed ahead of the game. The on-loan Chelsea midfielder was ineligible to face his parent club for Sunday's 2-1 defeat but is also recovering from a knock he suffered in the build-up to the restart.
Wesley and Tom Heaton (both knee) remain out for the season, with Bjorn Engels still battling an Achilles problem.
Keep up-to-date in our dedicated live blog, with highlights published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after full time.
Not only have I complimented Steve Bruce at every opportunity, but I cannot remember the last time Newcastle won 3-0. They only needed to get Joelinton into a position where he can score and sometimes that is all it takes. You did feel sorry for him, and it is uncomfortable when you watch them and the fans are getting on his back.
Steve Bruce has probably worked with him as well as others on having some belief, that if you get into the right areas, you will score. They are the most important goals and you need to be in the areas where it matters. Joelinton got in amongst it and in and around these areas where the opportunities may arise.
Surely the worry disappears with the fans not being there and the high demands that they make sometimes. The players may have become more courageous. The best strikers miss chances but they are always back for more, and this is what builds and instils confidence.
I thought Aston Villa did well against Chelsea and thought they were going to prove me wrong again. Chelsea did not even work for it and the equalising goal was a shambles defensively for Villa. Jack Grealish is still playing his part. If you have to play two forwards, play two. If you disrupt the shape and take risks, do it.
Newcastle are sitting sweet and there will be a takeover sooner or later. I do not see enough Villa players wanting to get on the ball and making things happen. Perhaps John McGinn or Conor Hourihane should get in behind, but the wide men are not delivering and have to do more. Dean Smith will play with the same system and it is just not enough.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (17/2 with Sky Bet)
Super 6: Salute the Magpie
A healthy 25 per cent of Super 6 entrants are hoping for a 2-1 Newcastle victory, following on from their impressive 3-0 win over Sheffield United. Will the 64 per cent of players backing a home win reap the rewards, with £250k at stake. Play for free.
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