Aston Villa v Newcastle - Match Preview
Let’s cast our mind back to 2008/09, last game of the season, and Newcastle succumbed to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a Damien Duff own goal, which ended Newcastle’s 16-year Premier League stay. Now, the performance of the club that day was a performance of a club that accepted relegation despite having everything to play for.
The performance shown by the Aston Villa fans was another matter, another talking point, which irks the Toon Army to this day. After the final whistle blew – when walking out of Villa Park on 24th May 2009 – it was not only heartbreak of demotion the Newcastle fans had to contend with, but a simple, angry and perplexed question coursed through the minds of the Geordies: “What was the point of that?”
What was the point of Aston Villa fans mocking Newcastle’s plight? What was the point in bringing in banners that read “Sob On The Tyne” and “Who’s Your Next Messiah – Ant or Dec?” What was the point in trying so desperately to humiliate Newcastle and its fans live on Sky?
Now, let’s get one thing straight: there’s no real rivalry between the two clubs. Both clubs are well respected and should be playing Premier League football. 206 miles separate the two cities, and it’s not like the two clubs have been at loggerheads competing for major trophies. So, where does Aston Villa’s dislike for Newcastle stem from? Well, it doesn’t stem from anything. The issue the Villains have can only be described as schadenfreude: the pleasure one gets from the misfortune of others.
Whilst under the ownership of Randy Lerner, Aston Villa’s decline has been slow and painful – similar to Newcastle under Mike Ashley. Goals and expectations were set high, but only for those goals and expectations never to be realised. Deep down, the boys in claret knew that their own predicament was just around the corner, so the best remedy to deal with their own failings is to seek joy from the tribulation of another club, and that happened to be Newcastle United.
Aston Villa’s sadistic nature was yet again demonstrated when the two met at Villa Park last season. Already down and out, it was a great opportunity for the Villains to show unity and support for their club and city. A proud club – they say – restoring some dignity was soon vanished. Instead, what ensued was a weak and pathetic demonstration by throwing balloons and beach balls onto the pitch in order to halt play. The home side were more focussed on annoying the visitors by holding up poorly crafted banners – reminiscent of 2009 – followed by ironic cheers as Benítez’s men struggled to make a breakthrough.
The meeting on Saturday will be another big fixture. Despite the hiccup last weekend, Newcastle look in good shape and form to head straight back up to the Premier League, whereas, Aston Villa have made a slow start to their Championship campaign.
Di Matteo has picked up one win this season, and is already under pressure from their new exuberant owner, Tony Xia. There’s already discontent after the club decided to launch an investigation over troubled midfielder, Jack Grealish. Summer signings Albert Adomah and Jonathan Kodjia are expected to start, former Fulham striker Ross McCormack faces a late fitness test.
Benítez must ensure his men don’t show the complacency that invited Wolves to take all three points last weekend. The 2-0 defeat to Wolves was reversed and rectified in the EFL Cup with a professional display that saw his side reach the last 16. Aston Villa will be looking to get their season up and running, but Newcastle can look to build on their excellent away performances. The 2-0 win at Derby and the 6-0 thrashing of QPR underlined the Magpies’ intent.
Tinkering with the starting line-up has been a regular theme this season, and we can expect more changes ahead of the teatime kick-off. Anita is suspended, so Yedlin is expected to start at right-back. Mbemba had a difficult afternoon last weekend; therefore, Benítez may opt to start Clark against his former side. Atsu and Mitrović have been doing extra hours in training to get their fitness up and would certainly add a different dimension to Newcastle’s attack. Lazaar is still acclimatising; Dummett is expected to be reinstated at left-back.
During the summer transfer window, Benítez struck a psychological blow and demonstrated Newcastle’s authority over Aston Villa by nabbing Ciaran Clark. In his recent interview with the Chronicle, Clark said it was not a hard decision to leave Villa for Newcastle, a damning statement made by one of their own which emphasises the appeal and magnitude of Newcastle compared to Aston Villa.
As mentioned earlier, the rivalry between the two clubs isn’t as profound, but there certainly is some form of animosity, and it all started unnecessarily by the Villains on 24th May 2009 because they wanted to feel relevant. Banter or not, “I would love it if we beat them, love it…”
Potential XI: Sels • Dummett, Lascelles (c), Clark, Yedlin • Atsu, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie • Diamé • Gayle
