One of the main fixtures of the fourth round of the FA Cup is the match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. The visitors are still disappointed by their 0:2 home defeat in the Premier League and will clearly want to respond in kind at Villa Park.
Aston Villa
But Aston Villa also want to at least repeat last season’s achievement of reaching the semi-finals. Back then they also faced strong opposition in the fourth round in Tottenham Hotspur, but still managed to win 2:1. An early goal from Jacob Ramsey in the first minute played a major role. The squad come into this match having finally returned to winning ways in the Premier League. However, to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion they needed an own goal from their opponents in the 86th minute. That was their first success in the Premier League since the win at St. James' Park at the end of January.
Newcastle United
Since that meeting Newcastle United have also been dropping points, with one draw and three defeats, but they still managed to beat a Tottenham Hotspur side severely weakened by suspensions and injuries away from home, 2:1. Does Aston Villa have as many absentees? No, but the loss of their main creative force, Youri Tielemans, is certainly significant. Against Brighton & Hove Albion he was replaced by Douglas Luiz, who has recently returned to Birmingham. As for the visitors, their midfield leader Bruno Guimarães had to be substituted towards the end of the match against the Seagulls. There are concerns about a hamstring injury, but the exact extent of the problem is still unclear.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Prediction
Eddie Howe will probably rest his captain in the cup match in order not to take unnecessary risks. He may also give a rest to other players. Aston Villa’s injury situation is less severe, and their desire to start winning regularly again is strong. For these reasons, we are backing the hosts to win.
