Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park on Monday night. Dean Smith’s team are looking to end their three-match losing streak under the floodlights of Villa Park. Smith welcomes back a host of key players as Villa look to end Newcastle’s good run under former Villa boss Steve Bruce.
A Must-Win Game for Aston Villa
Jack Grealish and Tom Heaton are Fully Fit
This is a must-win game for Aston Villa. Dean Smith’s team need a win to pull clear of the relegation zone. Following this weekend’s results, Villa are just a point clear of Norwich City in 18th. Despite plenty of encouraging performances, Villa have just 11 points, which doesn’t reflect how well they have played this season. However, they were very poor at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Smith labelling it the worst game of his tenure. He will demand a response from his team.
Villa’s home form is crucial to them stabilising in the Premier League. They have amassed eight points at home this season, with only Bournemouth and Liverpool successfully snatching a full haul of points. Dean Smith has reiterated the importance of home form and Villa Park. This is must-win against a relegation rival. Steve Bruce returning and the added rivalry between the two sets of fans adds further spice to a crucial game for both clubs. Newcastle United are showing shoots of improvement under Bruce having gone unbeaten in their last three games, winning two of those. Villa will face a tough game against an organised Newcastle side but will fancy their chances of securing a fourth win of the season.
Aston Villa’s injury crisis appears to have eased with many first-teamers expected to make their return. Jack Grealish, Tom Heaton, Matt Targett and Bjorn Engels are all fully fit and raring to go. Grealish has been missed Villa’s last three games in all competitions but he will be ready to light up Villa Park. Heaton is back in goal following his injury that kept him out the Wolves game and England duty. Targett has overcome concussion while Engels has overcome a hip problem.
Could a Liverpool Striker Start Aston Villa’s January Transfer Business?
We are approaching that time in the season where transfer speculation is rife. The January transfer window is just around the corner and Villa like many clubs, are expected to flex their muscles in the new year.
According to Alex Milne of the Mirror, Aston Villa are leading the chase for Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster. Jurgen Klopp could sanction a loan move for the young striker with several Premier League sides interested. Villa are in need of another striker and a short-term move could provide benefits all around: the player gets game time, Aston Villa get a new striker and Liverpool get the opportunity to watch the youngster’s development.
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