Spirits are high on Tyneside at present as Newcastle United head into a Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
A raucous St. James' Park witnessed United secure back to back wins for the first time this season as they romped to a 3-1 win over Everton on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile Villa were also in midweek action, drawing 3-3 with Leeds United in a thrilling encounter that saw Barcelona loanee Phillipe Coutinho display his obvious qualities.
The Magpies are out of the relegation zone for the first time since September whilst the Villains are sitting more comfortably in 11th place, nine points better off than Newcastle.
The last meeting
The second game of the season saw the Toon travel to Villa Park.
The sun was out and it was the first chance for the travelling Geordies to attend a Premier League away game since the COVID-19 pandemic.
A packed out away end endured a miserable afternoon with the hosts looking thoroughly comfortable and well worthy of their 2-0 win.
A wonder goal from Danny Ings on the stroke of half time was the perfect welcoming gift for the incoming forward and when Anwar El-Ghazi converted a spot kick in the second half, United's chance of rescuing anything from the game was seriously diminished.
They did think they had a penalty but a dubious offside call saw Newcastle denied a huge opportunity to get a foothold in the game.
Ones to watch
Villa have every right to be extremely pleased with their January transfer activity.
In Coutinho, they have a player capable of almost anything. His vision and creativity will cause many teams problems and United must be wary of this.
He is also somewhat of a long range specialist and he will be looking to add to his Villa tally further when he travels to St. James' Park.
Furthermore, youngster Jacob Ramsey is also a player in fine form.
He bagged a brace in the score draw with Leeds and the 20-year old is enjoying somewhat of a breakout season.
For the Magpies, Allan Saint-Maximin was electric in the win over the Toffees and when he plays like that, there a few defenders out there capable of neutralising his flair.
Operating higher up the pitch of late, the Frenchman has more scope to attack which is something he relished on Tuesday night.
Ryan Fraser has won plenty plaudits of late for his improved performance and the Scotsman reaped the rewards of this with his first Premier League goal for the club against Everton.
With impressive deliveries and a tireless work rate, Fraser can have a huge impact on proceedings against Villa.
Bruno Guimarães made a cameo appearance off the bench and looks to be quite the talent, Toon fans will be hoping to see more of him against Villa.
Team News
Many toon fans would have hoped Coutinho's issue that saw him withdrawn on Wednesday was a tad more serious but Steven Gerrard confirmed it just to be mixture of tiredness and cramp meaning he should make it for the trip up north.
There is also positive news for Argentine winger Emi Buendia who is looking likely to be fit for the game.
Leon Bailey is also said to be pushing for a return from injury following his lengthy time out due to injury.
They will however be without centre back Ezri Konsa, who picked up a daft red card in the draw with Leeds.
Matt Targett made a solid start to his Newcastle career but will have to sit this one out due to him being on loan from Villa.
Newcastle fans face a nervous wait on the availability of Kieran Trippier who is a doubt for the game.
Tripper's performance in the Everton game was impeccable and his free kick goal summed up the difference he has made to this Newcastle side.
If he were to miss out, it would undoubtedly be a huge blow.
Predicted lineups
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Chambers, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, Coutinho
Newcastle United: Dubravka, Manquillo, Lascelles, Schär, Burn, Guimarães, Shelvey, Joelinton, Fraser, Saint-Maximin, Wood
How to watch
The game is live on Sky Sports with a kick off time of 14:00.
Alternatively, check out VAVEL for all coverage of the Premier League clash.