Following this fixture two seasons ago the home side secured a place in the top six while Newcastle were relegated. How times have changed. Gérard Houllier wants Aston Villa to accrue 10 points from their remaining seven games, a target he feels will ensure they stay in the Premier League. "Excuses are not an option. We want results and points," the Frenchman said. Newcastle are all but safe after last week's 4-1 win over Wolves. They are now looking for the victories which could yet secure them a top-six finish of their own. Tom Clarke
Venue Villa Park, Sunday 4pm
Tickets £15-£41 (0800 612 0970)
Last season n/a
Referee M Halsey
This season's matches 17 Y35, R1, 2.12 cards per game
Odds Aston Villa 4-5 Newcastle 3-1 Draw 12-5
Aston Villa
Subs from Marshall, Petrov, Clark, Cuéllar, Baker, Heskey, Albrighton, Herd, Delph, Pires, Bradley
Doubtful None
Injured None
Suspended None
Form guide DLLWDD
Disciplinary record Y59 R2
Leading scorers Downing, A Young 6
Newcastle
Subs from Krul, S Taylor, Campbell, Ferguson, Vuckic, Ranger, Kuqi, Richardson, Tavernier
Doubtful None
Injured Ben Arfa (broken leg, May), Gosling (knee, May), Best (ankle, Aug), Smith (knee, Aug)
Suspended Nolan (first of two), Perch (first of three), Tioté (last of two)
Ineligible Ireland (terms of loan)
Form guide WLLDWD
Disciplinary record Y67 R2
Leading scorer Nolan 12
Match pointers
• Villa have dropped more points from winning positions than any other team – 23
• Newcastle have conceded 11% of their goals this season from headers, the lowest proportion in the division
• Darren Bent has been caught offside more often than other player in the division – 48
• Shola Ameobi has assisted as many goals as he has scored for Newcastle this season – five
• Six of the last seven games between these sides have resulted in a home win, with the other ending as a draw