By Content Editor
18 August 2021, 16:48 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Match Preview Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Premier League Aug 21, 2021

English Premier League fixture, Aston Villa F.C. vs. Newcastle United F.C. kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 21 at Villa Park.

Preview Aston Villa Premier League, Aug 21, 2021

Preview Aston Villa started off the new season with a 3-2 defeat on the road against Premier League newcomers, Watford last Saturday. The Claret & Blue Army found themselves three goals behind, seven minutes over the hour mark before attempting a failed late comeback inspired by John McGinn (70'). New signing, Danny Ings (90'+ET) was up and running, bagging himself a goal in stoppage time on his debut for the club. Coach, Dean Smith could return with the same attacking 4—2—3—1 formation with the newly acquired €32M-rated center-forward, Ings leading the Lions on Match Day 2. On availability, left-winger, Trezeguet remains sidelined and is expected to return in late October after recently undergoing a surgical procedure for a knee injury.

Preview Newcastle United Premier League, Aug 21, 2021

Preview Newcastle United lost their opening game of the season to West Ham United on home soil at St. James' Park last Sunday. The Magpies were hammered in the six-goal thriller with third-choice goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman seeing four put beyond him on his season debut despite his side taking the lead in the opening minutes. The dancing feet of Allan Saint-Maximin picked out Callum Wilson (5') to hand the Magpies an early lead. But West Ham responded minutes later through Aaron Cresswell (18') who found the equalizer for the visitors. Moments later, Mr. fancy footwork, Allan Saint-Maximin was back at it, - skipping through a forest of legs from the halfway line to link Miguel Almirón up for the shot which struck the crossbar after a huge deflection. Five minutes to the stroke of halftime, Jacob Murphy (40') restored Newcastle's lead with a fine header which left Steve Bruce nodding in resonance from the sidelines. But in a shocking twist, the game flipped on its head. Said Benrahma (53') leveled the scoreline eight minutes after the break. Ten minutes later, Tomáš Souček (63') tucked in the rebound after Freddie Woodman saved Michail Antonio's penalty. Three minutes after failing to convert from the spot, M. Antonio (66') put the game to bed in style, - after finishing off a brilliant counter-attack which he started. Steve Bruce will aim to select three points on Saturday when his side arrives at Villa Park for the second day of the season. A defensive 3—5—2 formation with Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson leading the attack is expected. Joe Willock completed the planned summer switch from Arsenal to Newcastle for a fee of €29.4M and is expected to make his first appearance after joining the Geordies for a six-year-long contract. Meanwhile, goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka remains doubtful with a foot injury.

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