After an interesting first round, the Premier League is rolling, and this weekend can be just as thrilling. Two very even sides are meeting in the second round; match of the week is between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. 

Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Premier League Round 2
Villa Park
23-08-2014 @ 12.45 BST









How are the two teams current form?

Aston Villa won 1-0 in the premiere against Stoke, on a goal by Andreas Weimann early in the second half. The match was rather even when it comes to chances, two shots on goal by each side, and could well have ended in a draw.

Newcastle only had one shot on target when they lost 0-2 to Manchester City last weekend. Manchester City were the controlling side in the match and Newcastle will hope to play a greater part against Aston Villa.

NUFC have won 6 of the last ten meetings with Aston Villa.

What are the probable line-ups?

Aston Villa are without Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak while Joe Cole is doubtful for the match against Newcastle. The guests are without Papiss Cisse, Ryan Taylor, Davide Santon and Tioté while Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is dubtful.

Guzan

Hutton - Senderos - Vlaar - Cissokho

Delph - Westwood

N'Zogbia - Richardson - Weimann

Agbonlahor
___________________________________

Riviere

Cabella

Gouffran - Anita - Colback - Sissoko

Dummett - Williamson - Coloccini - Janmaat

Krul

Worth keeping an eye on

Aston Villa: With Benteke and Kozak injured alot of the pressure is on Gabby Agbonlahor. The 27-year old striker scored four goals last season and with less than a year left of his contract he has to perform.



Newcastle United: Rémy Cabella looks to be a very interesting signing for Newcastle. The French attacking midfield scored 14 goals in 37 matches for Montpellier last season and develop to become the next great French player in the Premier League. 




What to expect from this match?

Last season was a rollercoaster for Newcastle with good periods and many bad periods. However, this season they are hoping for more continuity and have brought in some interesting signings. Many faces have left Aston Villa, and new have come in, and some of them will play against Newcastle. Despite the new faces in both squads, it is unlikely that things will change; this will be as tight as always. Given Newcastle's history against Aston Villa, they are my favorites, and their attack looks better on paper. However, football is not played on paper.

What are the odds?

Aston Villa to win: 8/5 (BetVictor)
Draw: 2 (Tokesport)
Newcastle: 12/5 (Ladbrokes)

Agbonlahor to score first: 7 (Bet365)