Aston Villa have won nine of their past 10 games across all competitions, while Newcastle have carried on their momentum from winning the Carabao Cup - despite now being without recovering manager Eddie Howe.

A few years ago, when Liverpool won the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp’s side could look to full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson with confidence that they would produce match-winning performances. Goals, assists, and corners taken quickly. To possess the two best full-backs in the world was a game-changer.

Newcastle United are set to play another match without the services of manager Eddie Howe who is recovering from pneumonia when they take on Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick off (5.30pm, Sky Sports).