Newcastle United head into the Boxing Day clash with Aston Villa in high spirits.
Not only are Newcastle a force to be reckoned with at home against any team in the Premier League, they are in fine form.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side have responded well to being questioned for their attitude against Brentford earlier this month. They have since thrashed Leicester and Ipswich in the league, while beating the Bees in convincing fashion to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Things are going well for the Newcastle United manager right now and a win over Villa would be another statement of intent.
Clearly, it will not be easy against Unai Emery’s side but Newcastle should fancy their chances at home. Win this and a push for the top five and Champions League qualification as a whole really could be on the cards.
Indeed, their task could get ever so slightly easier with news of a potential injury boost.
Sven Botman features for Newcastle United whilst recovering from long term injury during the Premier League 2 match between Newcastle United U21 an...
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Sven Botman is seemingly pushing for a long-awaited return.
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Sven Botman could make Newcastle return against Aston Villa in huge injury boost
Craig Hope of The Daily Mail posted a video on YouTube following Howe’s press conference before the Villa game.
In it, he suggested there is an outside chance the defender – who has been injured since March – could return to the squad.
“There’s a little word that he might actually be on the bench against Aston Villa on Boxing Day,” he said.
Will Sven Botman be as good after coming back from a serious injury?
Clearly, it’s difficult to imagine the defender starting or even coming on against Villa, such has been the extent of his absence.
Furthermore, the fact Newcastle have kept two Premier League clean sheets in a row makes his return much less urgent.
Still, it will be fascinating to see how good a player Botman is upon his return. Excellent before his injury, he impressed in a recent run-out with the Under-21s, albeit there will be much tougher tests to come.
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