Aston Villa v Newcastle: Where The Game Will Be Won & Lost

There is a lot of discussion going on about how important this game is for both teams. Both sets of fans are looking at it as a benchmark to gain a better understanding of where their club stands. For Villa it is a chance to shake off the recent defeats and build the foundations for a spell of form. For Newcastle it is an opportunity to show what they can offer in an attacking sense. With both teams having almost no injury concerns it is an opportunity for both managers to pick their favoured starting eleven's. As with all matches both teams rely on four different segments (Goalkeeper, Defence, Midfield & Strikers). So what I am going to look at is where this game is likely to be won or lost. Goalkeepers Quite often goalkeepers can be the deciding factor in the outcome of a match. In some games a goalkeeper can save everything and seem unbeatable, just ask Simon Mignolet. Whilst in others one lapse in concentration can totally alter the outcome of a match, although you might not want to remind Joe Hart.

Tim Krul is a very highly regarded goalkeeper in the Premier League and is a very good reflex shot stopper. Undoubtedly he will be worked quite regularly by the pacey and strong Villa attacking line-up. He is often the difference between Newcastle winning and losing and has put in some tremendous performances during his time on Tyneside. It could well be another busy day for the Dutch stopper tomorrow with the in form Christian Benteke eyeing up his goal. With 23 goals last season and 4 already this, keeping the powerful Belgian off the score-sheet will be a big decider in the outcome of the match.

Brad Guzan is fast becoming a premier league stalwart under the guidance of Paul Lambert. I can remember watching him play a blinding 90 minutes at St James Park last September when the two teams drew 1-1. He was the difference between the two teams that day as he repeatedly kept Villa in the game. Since then he has continued to impress me with his confident and consistent performances for Villa. With Newcastle having an almost clear bill of health Guzan may have to face the strongest attacking line up picked by Alan Pardew so far this season. If Villa are to get the outcome they desire another solid performance from their shot stopper will be required. Click "Next" to see where else the game will be won and lost...