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

Defence

It is almost a cliche that a strong attacking performance comes from having a solid defence but so often this is the case. Being well drilled, organised and adaptable as a unit is paramount. Having a strong and compact defence is also going to be important in this game as both teams have tremendous attacking talent. The two defensive units will play a huge role in the outcome of this game. Both teams are in the process of integrating new players into their first choice back line which is likely to lead to inevitable errors. Not only that but both teams also only have one senior pro in their back line in Vlaar & Coloccini. So we are looking at not only relatively newly formed defensive units but relatively inexperienced ones in terms of Premier League appearances. Newcastle have managed to string together three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions which does bode well for this game. Although you could also point out that in the Premier League both of these were in home games against teams not performing to their full ability. There are still concerns amongst fans about the the two newest members of Newcastle's likely back line in Debuchy and Yanga Mbiwa. It is certainly going to be a good measure of their progress watching them try to scupper a Villa line up possessing incredible attacking intent. Contrastingly Aston Villa haven't managed to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League for twenty five games and this is something they need to address. With a full squad to choose from we will see Paul Lambert able to select his preferred back line and he will undoubtedly be looking for a clean sheet in this game. Both teams possess attacking full backs so this may be a prominent feature throughout the game but it will also open up space for the opposition to attack. I think the defensive unit which performs the best will have a detrimental effect upon the outcome of this game. Newcastle have a real challenge to keep Benteke and co quiet; whilst Villa will need to watch out for Papiss Cisse as he seeks to end a baron run, which should be aided by the introduction of Loic Remy to the first eleven. Both managers will be looking for a balanced and composed performance from their defensive units and its likely one will be a lot happier than the other by 5 pm Saturday afternoon. Click "Next" to see where else the game will be won and lost.