By Ryan Ghee
December 2 2005

Aston Villa travel up to the north-east tomorrow to face Newcastle at St James' Park. With both teams bowing out of the Carling Cup in mid-week, both desperately need a win and with each manager under intense pressure, the loser may well face the chop. Aston Villa team new: Lee Hendrie is expected to make his first start of the season with James Milner inelligble for the game against his parent club. Wilfred Bouma should replace Samuel in defence and Kevin Phillips is likely to regain his place upfront with Juan Pablo Angel dropping to the bench.

Newcastle team news: Record signing Michael Owen has still not recovered from his groin injury so will be forced to watch from the sidelines. Emre and Dyer will both miss out with Celestine Babayaro serving the first of his three match ban.

History of this fixture: Out of the 141 meetings between these two clubs, Villa have won 51, Newcastle have won 61 and 29 have ended as a draw. The Villans came out on top in both meetings last season, recording a 3-0 victory at home and a 4-2 win at St James'. The last time the Magpies defeated tomorrow's opposition was back in December 2002.

Match betting: Aston Villa win - 10/3
Newcastle win - 8/11
Draw - 11/5