Newcastle United v Aston Villa: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Newcastle United and Aston Villa could play out an entertaining Boxing Day draw when they go head-to-head in the Premier League at St James' Park.

The Magpies are up to eighth after recording back-to-back 4-0 league wins over Leicester City and Ipswich Town, while in between those rampant league successes they saw off Brentford 3-1 in the EFL Cup.

Villa are two places and two points better off than the Magpies after they deservedly beat struggling champions Manchester City 2-1 at home on Saturday.

Newcastle United v Aston Villa betting tips and predictions

Draw - 14/5

Newcastle United have boosted their hopes of earning a European place this season with those two big victories over the Foxes and Ipswich and Eddie Howe will be much happier over Christmas as those results ended a four-game run without a win in the top flight.

The Magpies are now only five points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and will approach the home clash against Villa with plenty of confidence after hitting eight without reply in their last two league outings.

Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy have inspired them in recent weeks with the Swede banging in a hat-trick at Portman Road to follow up the one he got against Leicester, while Murphy was also on target on Saturday after netting twice against the Foxes.

However, beating Leicester and Ipswich is considerably easier than getting the better of Villa, who have won four of their last five games in all competitions.

Unai Emery's side were particularly impressive at the weekend when they became the latest team to beat struggling champions Manchester City and they will head to the north east determined to prove they are very much in the top-four hunt again this season.

Villa's away form is a worry - they have lost their last four on the road in the league - but the manner of the win over City should mean they are on a high for Boxing Day and they can secure a point at St James' Park.

Over 3.5 goals - 6/4

Newcastle fans have been treated to plenty of high-scoring games in recent weeks and this could be another goal-fest.

Their last five games have all featured at least four goals and the hosts have plenty of players in great form. Isak and Murphy have been among the goals of late, while Sandro Tonali grabbed a brace in the EFL Cup win over the Bees.

Villa have been involved in two games so far this month that have had four or more goals in - the 3-1 home win over Brentford on December 4th and the 3-2 victory at RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League six days later.

They, too, have plenty of firepower to suggest they can score multiple goals on Boxing Day. Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins, who have both hit seven goals in the Premier League, are the obvious dangermen but Morgan Rogers is also catching the eye this season with five goals, including the second against City at the weekend.

Youri Tielemans to be booked - 13/5

Youri Tielemans has been a key man in the Villa midfield this season, with the former Leicester player operating centrally and often controlling things for Emery's side.

Tielemans has yet to score in the league this term, but he has weighed in with three important assists, while he has also been in trouble with the officials, picking up three bookings.

It is no surprise the 27-year-old has given away plenty of fouls - no Villa player has conceded more than the 20 he has committed this season - as he's involved in the hectic action in the middle of the park.

It will be an interesting battle in the engine room at Newcastle as the Magpies have Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes who will also be looking to wrestle control of the game and Tielemans may be caught out at times.

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Newcastle United v Aston Villa odds

Newcastle United - 10/11
Draw - 14/5
Aston Villa - 11/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.