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

Strikers The last area of the team in which this game could be decided are the forward lines, the attacking spear head's of each team. There is a reason that teams pay hugely substantial figures in order to secure the most prolific attacking talent. That reason is simple, these players win games. On show in this game we have one of the most widely monitored strikers in Europe in the shape of Christian Benteke. A striker who has been linked with some very lucrative moves over the past 6 months after a hugely successful maiden Premier League campaign. Paul Lambert's handling of Benteke throughout the summer in which he showed signs of discontent, was nothing short of brilliant. He looks to be just as sharp in this campaign alongside Weimann and Agbonlahor, who are also enjoying a somewhat blossoming renaissance under the stewardship of Paul Lambert. When this villa attacking trio are in the mood they are a total handful as they have pace in abundance not to mention the towering strength of Christian Benteke. If they can perform anywhere near their potential in this game the Newcastle defence may be in for a torrid afternoon. I would expect this forward line up to get goals against a somewhat unpredictable Newcastle defence though. Newcastle will be looking for Cisse and Remy to build the foundations for a potentially prosperous Premier League partnership. The lack of attacking impetus shown so far this season has been a source of concern for Alan Pardew and the Newcastle fans too. With a full strength team to choose from I predicted a 4-3-3 line up and thought we would likely see a front three of Ben Arfa, Cisse and Remy. If this is indeed the starting forward line I would suggest it is equally as strong as the Villa front three. It too possesses pace and trickery in Remy and Ben Arfa but should also help to provide the support for Cisse that has been sorely missing. If the Newcastle attack can be provided with decent service; which would require the midfield to be having a strong game, then there is no reason why they can't conjure up some magic. So in order for either team to win this game they will require a very solid composed performance, as both teams have undoubted quality. Each and every player out there has the ability to win or lose the game. I personally think a lot of the deciding factors in this game depend upon Newcastle. This is purely because Villa are now an increasingly settled and happy camp, in stark contrast with that of Newcastle. Who have a lot of players in the squad with points to prove, whether or not they can make those points though for me will be the deciding factor. If they play as they have in the opening three games I cannot see anything other than a comfortable Villa Win.