Two of the Premier League’s in-form teams meet at St James’s Park on Boxing Day as Newcastle host Aston Villa. Villa sit seventh in the table on 28 points after winning three of their last four games, making them the last team to beat Manchester City with a 2-1 win at Villa Park on Saturday. The Magpies go into this game on the back of successive 4-0 league wins against Leicester and Ipswich, and between those two wins they secured their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals. Both teams are looking to secure a place in Europe next season and Newcastle can make the most of their home advantage to deal a blow to a key rival.

Eddie Howe’s men picked up a respectable 14 points from 8 home games and faced strong opponents, beating the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea (in the EFL Cup) and winning ties against Manchester City and Liverpool. Villa took 10 points from the first 12 available on their league trips, but their away form has declined and they have lost their last 4 away games. Unai Emery’s men have had some difficult games but they have suffered five defeats from six away games in all competitions, suggesting the problem is not just the quality of the opposition. Expect Newcastle to press their advantage and secure all three points.