Aston Villa and Newcastle United struggled towards the end of last season, but both meet in the Midlands this weekend in the hope of securing positive results in the early phases of the campaign.

Paul Lambert's Villans started off strongly with a 3-1 win over Arsenal, but his side have been knocked back in two successive defeats, leaving them 13th in the table.

Despite securing the capture of striker Libor Kozak from Lazio on deadline day, Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann are likely to start the match in attack this weekend.

The Magpies travel to Villa Park on the back of a victory over Fulham, which is their only win of the campaign so far, ahead of the international break.

Despite a lacklustre showing in the summer transfer window, manager Alan Pardew is expected to start midfielder Yohan Cabaye following his failed move to Arsenal, while on-loan forward Loic Remy could be fit to feature in the clash.

Recent form

Aston Villa: WLL

Newcastle United: LDW

Possible starting lineups

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; Westwood, Bacuna, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor

Newcastle United: Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Sissoko, Anita, Ben Arfa, Marveaux; Remy, Cisse

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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