Newcastle United have found some form since the 4-2 defeat at Brentford earlier this month.
The Magpies thrashed Leicester City 4-0 before knocking the Bees out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win in the quarter-final at St James’ Park.
Newcastle continued their momentum at the weekend, as they thumped Ipswich Town 4-0 in the Premier League at Portman Road.
Alexander Isak was the star performer in that game, with the young striker scoring a brilliant hat-trick.
His excellent display has seemingly made a huge impression on BBC football pundit Chris Sutton, who says the Sweden international looks unstoppable at the moment.
Sutton also claimed Newcastle were ruthless against Ipswich, and he is backing them to register a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Thursday.
Writing in his column for BBC Sport, the former Celtic star said: “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.
“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.”
Difficult game
Newcastle comfortably beat Ipswich on Saturday, but they are expected to face a far bigger test against Villa.
Unai Emery’s side have lost five of their 17 top-flight matches this season, but they are still sitting sixth in the table.
The Midlands outfit will enter the match on the back of an excellent 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
Their confidence will likely be very high, and they will fancy their chances at St James’ Park.
Newcastle must produce another special display if they want maximum points against the Lions.