| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 19. Demba Ba (29’) | 20. Robbie Keane (45 + 2’) |
| 9. Papiss Demba Cisse (71’) |
Newcastle aiming for inconsistent Villa
Newcastle United will be looking to continue with their good form in the Barclays Premiership when they host Aston Villa at the Sports Direct Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Alan Pardew’s men have won three of their last four matches and now find themselves with a chance of challenging for a spot in the top four.
Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Blackburn Rover’s saw the Magpies leapfrogging Arsenal and Liverpool into 5th place, just three points behind Chelsea in 4th.
Villa on the other hand had to fight back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw against Queen’s Park Rangers and remain in 12th position on the log.
Gabriel Agbonlahor is doubtful ahead of the Newcastle game on Sunday after missing the game against QPR due to a hamstring and back issue but coach Alex McLeish his star forward will regain his fitness soon.
"I don't think it's too serious," he told Sky Sports.
"He has a back spasm and hamstring spasm. It's related.
"He's an athletic guy - a sprinter - and sometimes they can have that sort of problem with the exertions they have to put in with their running."
The Toon Army squad is already depleted with long-term injuries to players Sammy Ameobi and Steven Taylor, while midfielder Yohan Cabaye is suspended for violent conduct during last Saturday’s FA Cup loss to Brighton.
However, Fabricio Coloccini made a welcome return from a groin injury on Wednesday, while the Senegalese duo of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are expected to return in time for Sunday’s clash.
Their last meeting at Villa Park ended in a 1-1 draw with Leon Best cancelling Agbonlahor’s early goal.
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