Villa have just returned from a warm weather training break in Portugal. Paul Lambert can only trust it has done them more good than last month’s trip to Abu Dhabi did Newcastle. Since returning, Alan Pardew’s team have failed to score a goal while conceding 10 in their last three games. With only one win in nine matches and lacking a home victory since Boxing Day, Pardew is under pressure. “Newcastle’s crowd can become edgy,” said Lambert. “We’ve got to try to get their crowd against them.” Louise Taylor

Kick-off Sunday 1.30pm

Venue St James’ Park

Last season Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 1

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee M Atkinson

This season G17, Y52, R3, 3.4 cards per game

Odds H 11-10 A 5-2 D 9-4

Newcastle United

Subs from Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa, S Taylor, Dummett, Ben Arfa, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi, Gosling, De Jong, Armstrong, Cissé, Marveaux

Doubtful Tioté (hamstring), Coloccini (knee)

Injured Obertan (knee, unknown), R Taylor (knee, season)

Suspended None

Form LLLDWL Discipline Y37 R4

Leading scorer Rémy 11

Aston Villa

Subs from Bennett, Clark, El Ahmadi, Helenius, Weimann, Luna, Sylla, Bowery, Tonev, Holt, Lowton, Herd

Doubtful Herd (hamstring, unknown)Injured Kozak (leg, unknown), Okore (knee, Mar), N’Zogbia (leg, unknown)

Suspended None

Form DLLWDL

Discipline Y53 R0

Leading scorer Benteke 7

• Newcastle United
• Aston Villa
• Premier League

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