Pundit and former Footballer Chris Sutton looks on
Chris Sutton (Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa will be full of confidence when they return to Premier League action against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Unai Emery’s side face Newcastle at St. James’ Park (3pm) on Thursday, after beating champions Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park last time out thanks to goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers. Newcastle thrashed Ipswich Town 4-0 last Saturday, with striker Alexander Isak hitting a hat-trick.
Pundit Chris Sutton has delivered his prediction for the Boxing Day clash, telling the BBC : “Newcastle seem to be hitting a bit of form - as I predicted, although I don't like to mention it - and Alexander Isak looks unstoppable at the moment. It just shows that people should never write off Magpies manager Eddie Howe.
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“Aston Villa were comfortable in their win against Manchester City on Saturday, and I love what Morgan Rogers is doing for them this season.
“Villa manager Unai Emery has a nice headache up front, to choose between Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, and it means they have always got goals in them.
“It is Newcastle I am going with here, though. They seem to be building real momentum although I guess there is the risk I am reading too much into them being so comfortable against little Ipswich Town at the weekend.
“They were ruthless against little Ipswich at Portman Road, and I think they will be ruthless at home against Villa too.”
Sutton's prediction: 3-1
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