Newcastle United v Aston Villa: Premier League matchweek 7 preview (St James' Park, Oct 17)

Newcastle United will host Aston Villa at St James' Park in a Premier League matchweek 7 fixture on October 17.

Newcastle enter the game following an inconsistent run in their last three league outings and a 1-4 defeat to Coventry City in their most recent top-flight match. The club, led by Matthias Jaissle, were described as poor in defence and lacking a cutting edge in the final third; Jaissle’s side will be relying on home advantage but must produce a more consistent performance to collect three points.

Aston Villa arrive under Unai Emery after a 6-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League, a result the preview called a "top-of-the-line performance." Villa have recorded only one win in the Premier League so far this season and will be seeking a second as the visitors who are expected to apply pressure early.

Nico Gonzalez, aged 24, is identified as a key midfield figure for Newcastle after providing an assist against Coventry City; he created the most chances (6) and covered the most distance in that match. The preview highlighted Gonzalez’s work rate across the field as an asset Newcastle will need on Saturday.

Johan Manzambi, 20, has been described as being in excellent form since his debut for Aston Villa and will be deployed on the left flank. The preview stated Manzambi will play an important role under Emery, posing a threat to opposition defenders and helping to establish control in midfield.

Newcastle will be without Ewen Jaouen, Anthony Elanga and Bazoumana Toure, all of whom are not match fit, while Valentino Livramento and Jacob Ramsey were listed as not yet confirmed for the squad. Aston Villa will miss Amadou Onana, George Hemmings, Modou Keba Cisse, Matteo Ruggeri and Ian Maatsen due to injury, with Ross Barkley most likely to sit out because of fitness concerns.

The preview provided expected lineups as follows: Newcastle — Hornicek (GK); Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Gonzalez, Willock; Murphy, Wissa, Barnes; Fernandez-Pardo. Aston Villa — Suzuki (GK); Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Wan-Bissaka; Kamara, Gomes; McGinn, Buendia, Manzambi; Jackson. Prediction: Newcastle United 2-3 Aston Villa.

Viewers in India can stream the match via JioHotstar, with television coverage on the Star Sports Network for the St James' Park fixture on October 17.