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

Midfield

Midfield, the battleground of the Premier League football pitch. A team managing to dominate and subsequently control the middle third of the pitch can often be the deciding factor in matches. Whether or not a team is able to control the midfield will depend upon the formation deployed by both teams. I predicted that both teams could potentially line up with a 4-3-3 or close variant for this match, so we could see a really heated head to head between the two midfield units. As both engine rooms could potentially decide the outcome of this game it provides a great platform for some individual performances. Aston Villa will be looking for Westwood to anchor their midfield three. He will be tasked with being the classic 'water carrier' whilst making sure to break up play and provide cover for the back four. He will most likely be tasked with cancelling out the more advanced of the Newcastle midfielders which could potentially be the returning Yohan Cabaye. Whilst playing off Westwood will be the more creative and advanced Delph and Bacuna. Paul Lambert will be looking for them to manoeuvre the ball around the pitch and supply the three pronged forward line. They will most likely push forward with Villa counter attacks and then drop back to help in defence when required. Delph has made a cracking start to this season and is almost certainly working his way into Roy Hodgson's thoughts, whilst new boy Bacuna has been very solid and shown real glimpses of quality. What is certain is that with the backing of the Villa faithful this midfield trio could very well be a key factor in the outcome of the game. Newcastle on the other hand have some healthy competition in the centre of the park. Alan Pardew is likely to welcome back both Tiote and Cabaye to the starting eleven for this game and I expect Sissoko to be the final part of the three man midfield. Without being disrespectful to Villa you may think Newcastle's midfield looks a lot stronger on paper however this is not the case. In Tiote Newcastle have a player that has been struggling for form for over a season now, he has a key role in this game if selected. He will be fulfilling the same role that Westwood will be for Villa and how well he does it could have huge repercussions on the final outcome. He needs to put in a performance not least to get some discontented amongst the Geordie faithful back onside. Similarly Cabaye has obvious bridges to build with the fan base after his much publicised pantomime performance of the last month. One thing is for sure though and that is the obvious ability of the French play-maker, its just whether or not his head is in the 'right place'. Finally Sissoko, a player who has so much power, pace and obvious talent but has so far been played out of position far too often. He clearly has a lot more to offer and needs to hit some form in order to remain in the starting eleven. I personally feel this game will be decided by how well the Newcastle midfield performs. On current form I would suggest that Villa's engine room will reign supreme in the middle third but if Newcastle's midfield could perform to the top end of their ability that could be a potential game changer. One thing is guaranteed and that should be a hotly contested battle between the two midfield's; one I am eagerly anticipating. Click "Next" to see where else the game will be won and lost.