Newcastle will win under Kevin Keegan eventually, but will it really be at Villa Park?
It's certainly possible, although it's also difficult in the extreme to back them with any real confidence.
While the media has focused on Portsmouth losing players ot the Africa Cup of Nations, Newcastle have also been badly hit by the tournament.
However, they get Habib Beye and Amdy Faye back now (Obafemi Martins has an ankle problem and is a doubt) and they will add to Keegan's options, with confidence already boosted by an improved display against Middlesbrough last weekend.
On the other hand, Villa's small squad cannot take much disruption but they may well have to cope without regulars Gabriel Abgonlahor and Stilyan Petrov for this one due to injury.
That's another blow for boss Martin O'Neill, whose side had played themselves firmly into Champions League contention before taking just two points from the last nine available.
Newcastle at 7/2 make some appeal, but we admit it's a bet only for the brave.
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