This fixture may have finished goalless last season, although it’s difficult to see the same happening on Monday night. The Magpies have kept just one clean sheet so far, and that was against a Bolton team who missed a penalty and are badly struggling for goals this term. Likewise, the Villans have only stopped one team from scoring on their travels, so should we be reckoning on a goalfest at St James’ Park? Over 2.5 Goals is currently available at 5/6 (Stan James).
It’s no surprise to see firms making Aston Villa favourites (6/4 bet direct) for this clash, with Martin O’Neill’s men playing well enough to be considered for a Champions League place come May. Their 4-0 victory at Wigan illustrated how lethal they can be on the counter-attack, although they were slightly more fortunate to beat Blackburn in their last outing. Nevertheless, there will be those who think the visitors could potentially out-class their opponents, and the 3/1 (totesport) that they lead at half-time and full-time could be popular.
What to make of Newcastle United (21/10 VC Bet)? They’re reasonable enough in front of their own fans, although their 2-2 draw with Manchester City owed more to the complacency of their opponents than any real quality on their part. Since then, they have beaten West Brom 2-1 on home soil, although they will surely be asked more questions by a team deservedly sitting in fourth place? For those expecting to see a draw, totesport go 12/5 about this outcome. The 16/1 (Blue Square) about the match finishing 2-2 deserves consideration, especially in light of each team’s porous defence.
While Joey Barton continues to be an immensely unpopular figure, there’s no denying his footballing ability, and the midfielder is a massive 20/1 (Skybet) to open the scoring (Ladbrokes go as short as 12/1). He and Obafemi Martins (7/1 Stan James) are likely to pose the biggest threat for the Magpies, while Villa have potential goalscorers in abundance. Gabriel Agbonlahor (7/1 Betfred) continues to impress for the Midlands club, although I prefer the odds of Ashley Young (10/1 Ladbrokes), who is dangerous from free-kicks and is due a goal. Another 4-0 drubbing in favour of the Villa is an 80/1 chance (Boylesports).