Newcastle United v Aston Villa: Nicolas Jackson prominent in weekend betting tips

Newcastle United and Aston Villa meet at St James’ Park on Saturday with both sides looking to recover from inconsistent Premier League starts.

Aston Villa won 2-0 on their last visit to the north-east in January, but Newcastle United responded with a 3-1 victory away from home in the fourth round of the FA Cup a month later.

Newcastle will be glad to return home after consecutive 4-1 away defeats by Leeds United and Coventry City, the latter coming on Monday. Matthias Jaissle’s side have recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats in their first six league matches, with the manager saying the team is not “clean” in either penalty area.

The Magpies have conceded 13 goals, the joint-highest total in the Premier League, and have faced 107 shots, the second-highest figure. Their only clean sheet came in a 2-0 win at Tottenham in late August.

However, Newcastle are unbeaten in their past five home matches, winning three and drawing two, including a 2-1 success against in-form Hull City before the international break. They are seeking to end a run of three league matches without victory against Aston Villa.

Villa started the 2026-27 campaign slowly but have won four and drawn one of their past six matches in all competitions, with one defeat. They have scored at least three goals in four of those games.

Unai Emery’s side recorded their biggest European victory and biggest overall win under the manager on Wednesday, beating Fenerbahce 6-0 at Villa Park in the Champions League. Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley both scored twice.

That result followed a 2-2 league draw with Brentford and left Aston Villa 16th with five points from six matches (1V, 2N, 3D), five points behind the top four they reached last season. Away from home, though, they have won three and drawn one of their past four matches since losing 4-0 at Brighton on the opening weekend.

Emery is aiming for his 100th Premier League victory as a manager. Victory would also give Villa consecutive top-flight wins at St James’ Park for the first time, although they have won only three of their past 10 meetings with Newcastle in all competitions (1N, 6D).

The recommended bets are both teams to score and fewer than 4.5 goals at 1.95, Yoane Wissa to score or assist at 2.25, and Nicolas Jackson to score at 2.75. Jackson has four goals in his past three appearances.

Newcastle remain without Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey and Ewen Jaouen, all with thigh injuries, plus Tino Livramento. Bazoumana Toure is doubtful after a knee knock against Coventry City. Joelinton could make his first start of the season alongside Nico Gonzalez and Joe Willock, while William Osula may replace Wissa or Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Dan Burn is not ready to start, so Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are expected to continue in central defence.

Aston Villa are missing Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Matteo Ruggeri and Modou Cisse. George Hemmings and Brian Madjo are doubts. Leon Goretzka came off the bench in midweek but is unlikely to start, with Joao Gomes expected to partner Boubacar Kamara. Emiliano Buendia could replace Barkley, while John McGinn and Johan Manzambi are likely to support Jackson.

Probable teams

Newcastle United: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Gonzalez, Willock; Murphy, Osula, Barnes.

Aston Villa: Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Wan-Bissaka; Kamara, Gomes; McGinn, Buendia, Manzambi; Jackson.

Newcastle’s recent home form may help them, but Villa’s stronger away record could earn the visitors a hard-fought point.