Newcastle-upon Tyne, Sep 2: Aston Villa face a tough test at Sports Direct Arena when they tackle Newcastle United on Sunday. The Villans last won at Magpies' home back in 2005.

EPL 2012-13 | Fixtures | Results

Team Profile: Newcastle United | Aston Villa

Alan Pardew's men hope to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after a narrow win over Altromitos during midweek's Europa League clash.

Villa have to take all the positives from Wednesday's Capital One Cup thrashing of Tranmere Rovers after suffering two defeats in their last two matches in the Premier League.

Newcastle will most likely retain the same squad which suffered defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea last week. Joe Bennet could replace suspended Ciaran Clark in defence for the Villans.

Newcastle have had their biggest wins against Aston Villa in recent years, with a 6-0 thrashing at home during the 2010-11 season. Paul Lambert's side have failed to score in their last six away games.

Villa's key players winger Marc Albrighton, centre-back Richard Dunne and forward Gabriel Agbonlahor are all sidelined due to injuries. Midfielder Stephen Ireland could get the nod after an impressive show against Tranmere Rovers.

Striker Darren Bent finally got on the scoresheet during their League Cup clash while Andreas Weimann and Brett Holman will be pushing for a place along side Bent.

Trivia:

*Newcastle are just two goals away from hitting the 1000 mark in the Premier League era.

Probable Lineups:

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Krul-Simpson, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Santon-Cabaye, Anita, Gutierrez-Ben Arfa, Cisse, Demba Ba

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Given-Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett-Herd, Ireland, El Ahmadi, N'Zogbia-Bent, Holman

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