Newcastle United will host Aston Villa at St James’ Park on December 26, 2024, in what promises to be a thrilling Premier League encounter. Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, will aim to maintain their push for European football, while Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will look to push for a stronger position in the top half of the table.
Both sides have been on the up in recent seasons, and with ambitious managers at the helm, this match could be pivotal in shaping their campaigns.
Newcastle United are currently sitting ninth in the league, with 18 points from 11 games. They recently earned a commanding 3-1 away win over Nottingham Forest. Eddie Howe’s team has been solid defensively, thanks to the partnership of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, while their attacking trio of Alexander Isak, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon has been firing on all cylinders.
The manager, Eddie Howe had this to say after their impressive win against Nottingham Forest.
“Hopefully they prove to be a significant three points for us. We desperately didn’t want to fall flat here.”
“It is a tough ground and team to play and to come from behind as well… a good day for us. I felt we were slightly inconsistent. I wasn’t that happy with our first-half performance. It was a bit slow and not direct enough, the passing a bit sideways.”
“Credit to the players for the second half because that is everything we want to be. I thought we deserved to win. I wanted to see more energy, more sprinting, and more direct duels. We were turning down opportunities to attack [in the first half] and that isn’t like us and it suited Nottingham Forest. It was difficult but we knew it would be.”
“They are a difficult team to play against because they don’t concede many chances, you’re left fearing the worst when you go behind. We had work to do at half-time but credit to the players because the second half was up there with our best performances this season. Everything we didn’t do in the first half we did at the start of the second half.”
“We were intense and direct with our attacking. We asked more questions.I’m really pleased with the second half. We need our attacking players to contribute goals and Alex [Isak] has done that in the past few weeks with massive moments, then Joelinton and Harvey Barnes pop up with moments too.”
“We know that we have players who can make that difference and I’m pleased with that side of our game. Harvey Barnes did what he did. He’s an outstanding player. Trying to find room for him in the team is something that I am conscious of.”
“I’m pleased that he got that goal and I thought it was a fantastic finish. Joelinton is like gold dust because wherever you put him you know he is going to do a good job. His attitude never changes in training.”
“He’s playing in different positions so he has to do the training. I’m really pleased again with his performance. The Premier League is tight this season and you need consistent victories and it can really elevate you. Everyone is searching for a formula that guarantees them victory. We’ve looked much more like ourselves in the past few games.
I still feel there is more to come and we can improve… and we have got room to improve.
We needed some momentum.
We always say how quickly football can change, how your fortunes can turn.
So three wins and there is a different feel about the team.
I’m pleased today because an away game going 1-0 down, to come back and win in the way that we did, I think is a big moment for us.
We probably don’t want an international break at this moment in time but it is there and we have got an extended break as well, because we play on Monday [25 November v West Ham], not Saturday, when we come back.
So players will go away. We are going to Saudi Arabia. We come back but we try and keep the feeling that we have now.
“We know that we are in a good position and we are building our season but we have some key games to come.”
Fans can purchase Newcastle United tickets from an online resale store to support their team.
St James’ Park has been a fortress for Newcastle for many seasons in the Premier League, and the Magpies will hope to continue that trend against Villa.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, has been quite inconsistent this season, currently sitting eat ight with 19 points. They recently secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw at home to struggling Crystal Palace.
Villa’s high-pressing style and quick transitions have caused problems for opponents. Ollie Watkins has been in sensational form of late too, supported ably by Jhon Duran and Morgan Rodgers. In midfield, Amadou Onana has been pivotal in dictating play.
Match Tickets
St James’ Park is expected to be packed to its 52,000 capacity for this match between Fans are advised to secure their Newcastle United vs Aston Villa tickets via Newcastle United’s official website or reliable ticket platforms.
For those unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on major sports networks, ensuring fans around the world don’t miss the action.
Team news
Both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups, with key players looking to make the difference.
Newcastle United
Pope, Hall, Schär, Livramento, Burn, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Longstaff, Willock, Gordon, Isak
Aston Villa
Martínez, Bougarde, Torres, Carlos, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, Bailey, Rodgers, McGinn, Watkins
Prediction
This match is a clash of two well-drilled teams with clear tactical setups. Newcastle’s home advantage and attacking depth give them the edge, but Aston Villa’s ability to strike on the counter makes them a dangerous team.
Newcastle United 2-1 Aston Villa
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