Newcastle face Villa test
February 04, 2012 11:49:26 UK
Newcastle United entertain Aston Villa on Sunday, aiming to keep the pressure on Chelsea in the race for fourth place in the Premier League.
Alex McLeish's Aston Villa travel to Newcastle.Alan Pardew's men have had an excellent campaign so far this season, and are unbeaten in their last five appearances at the Sports Direct arena.
In team news, Pardew could give a debut to new £10million man Papiss Cisse, while Demba Ba, who has been in scintillating form for The Magpies, also returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal. Yohan Cabaye remains on the sidelines due to suspension.
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For the visitors, centre-half James Collins remains a doubt with a calf injury, while striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and Mark Albrighton could also miss out.
In the corresponding fixture last season, Newcastle recorded a devastating 6-0 victory over Villa, and Pardew has admitted he is excited at the prospect of Cisse teaming up with Ba on Sunday.
I don't think (Cisse) he is going to hesitate to shoot.
Alan Pardew
The former Southampton boss said of his new signing: "I don't think he is going to hesitate to shoot, so whether he starts or whether he comes off the bench on Sunday, you are going to see a directness from him."
Newcastle are rated as 2.10 to earn all three points, with Alex McLeish's side 3.60.
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