Premier League: Newcastle United v Aston Villa match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at St. James' Park

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew looks on (PA)

Aston Villa will look to take advantage of struggling Newcastle United at St. James' Park this weekend, as the Magpies have now failed to score in seven of their last eight games in the Premier League.

The Villans have a poor record at St. James' Park, unable to beat Newcastle at their home ground since 2005 – a game that saw the Magpies getting three players sent off. Their fortunes may soon turn around however, as Alan Pardew's men, despite being in a relatively sturdy position in the league, have only won once in their last eight matches.

Pardew will be concerned that his team haven't yet recovered from their transfer of coveted midfielder Yohan Cabaye to Paris Saint-Germain, whom the manager admits was the focal point of their side. Newcastle sit comfortably in ninth spot, but haven't netted since the Frenchman's departure.

Paul Lambert's and his team are currently 12th in the league, four points above the drop, and will need a win in order to climb out of a relenting relegation battle. The Villans will rely on Christian Benteke to bolster their chances of victory, as the Belgian has scored twice in his last two Premier League appearances against the Magpies.

Kick-off: Sunday 23rd February at 1:30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Aston Villa 1 – 2 Newcastle (Premier League, 14 Sept 2013)

Aston Villa 1 – 2 Newcastle (Premier League, 29 Jan 2013)

Newcastle 1 – 1 Aston Villa (Premier League, 2 Sept 2012)

STATS:

The Magpies are unbeaten in the last seven league games against Villa at St James’ Park (W4 D3) and in the last five home and away (W3 D2)

The last time Aston Villa won at St James Park, the Magpies had three players sent off, including lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer for fighting each other in April 2005.

Alan Pardew’s side have not scored in any of their last four Premier League games at St. James’ Park. The last time they went longer without a goal was August 2007 (six games)

The Magpies have not seen a single English player score a goal for them in any of their last 45 Premier League matches.

ODDS:

Newcastle to win: 11/10

Aston Villa to win: 3/1

Draw: 5/2

TV: Highlights on BBC 1's Match of the Day 2 at 10:25pm