Premier League preview: Newcastle v Aston Villa

Newcastle welcome strugglers Aston Villa to Sports Direct Arena on Sunday, with the home side strongly favoured to take all three points.

Alan Pardew’s men have become a force to be reckoned with in the past 12 months, especially at home, as they secured Europa League action for this season with a breakout season in 2011-12 under the former Southampton boss.

Most of their success has come down to crafty recruiting, notably the inclusion of Demba Papiss Cisse to the squad in January, with the Senegalese scoring 13 goals for the Magpies last term.

And Cisse and countryman Demba Ba will lead the line for Pardew on Sunday, as they look to continue their recent dominance at St James’ Park.

In 2012, Newcastle have won nine of 12 league games at home, with their only loss in that run coming to eventual champions Manchester City.

They have already taken the scalp of Tottenham on Tyneside 2-1 in their season opener, which suggests Villa could be in for some punishment, given the form of Alex McLeish’s side has been underwhelming to say the least.

The Villans began their season with losses to West Ham and Everton, scoring just one goal in 180 minutes, however they did record their first win in a 3-0 result over Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup.

Last time they visited St James’ Park, Villa were undone by a goal each to Ba and Cisse either side of a Robbie Keane strike to leave empty-handed.

And Villa don’t have good recent memories of their trips north, as they have been outscored 13-2 in their past five visits – earning just one draw in that run.

Villa’s injury list does not help them heading into the fixture, with Marc Albrighton, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Richard Dunne, Stiliyan Petrov, Samir Carruthers and Gary Gardner all unavailable, however Ciaran Clark will return after serving a one-match ban.

Brothers Samuel and Shola Ameobi are both back in the selection mix after overcoming hamstring complaints, while Cheick Tiote should also return from a groin injury.