Newcastle United will look to return to the top of the Sky Bet Championship tomorrow night by securing a vital three points against struggling Aston Villa.
The Magpies will look to compound more misery on their former Premier League rivals when they meet at St. James’ Park and bolster their own automatic promotion chances in the process.
Newcastle were mightily impressive on the road at Wolverhampton Wanderers last time around but they will still need to be on their very best form to beat a Villa side who will be desperate to reignite their campaign.
Villa haven’t won yet during 2017 and given the amount which boss Steve Bruce spent on players during the January transfer window, he will know that he needs to change the team’s fortunes quickly.
Ahead of the game, Football League World writer Lee Clarke looks at two players who could be potential match winners for the Magpies tomorrow night.
Jonjo Shelvey
The central midfielder is one of the divisions very best players when he is on his very best form and if he turns up in the mood tomorrow night it could spell trouble for Villa.
The 24-year-old has been playing some of his best football of late and at times this season he has looked way too good for the Championship.
The ex-Liverpool man needs to be watched very carefully tomorrow evening and he has real potential to come up trumps and win the day for the Magpies against a frail Villa.
Matt Ritchie
Eyebrows were raised during the summer when the skilful winger swapped Bournemouth and the Premier League for the second tier with Newcastle United.
Since his arrival, however, he has looked the part in the Magpies team, using his experience to propel the team forward.
His pace and exuberance could be too hot to handle for an Aston Villa side lacking in confidence and there is every chance he could add to his eight Championship goals so far this season.
Newcastle United fans, who do you think will be the one to watch tomorrow night? Will one of these two contribute towards winning the match for you? Let us know in the comments below!!!