Aston Villa (H)

We lie bottom of the league after every result went against us at the weekend. All is not lost though as a win would send us up to 14th in a very tight Premier League.

Our squad is looking stronger with every game, Nicky Butt and Michael Owen come back into contention and at last there seems to be competition for starting places in the team.

One of the positions not up for grabs is Habib Beye’s right back slot. The Geordie speaking French born Senegalese footballer is very much a fixture in the first eleven when fit. When he’s not in the team Habib or as his team mates know him “Whitley” can be seen doon the pub or at the chippy doon Tynemouth. In a great interview with The Sun on Saturday Habib tells us of his love for the toon and all things Geordie.

Back to tonight’s game and Habib could be facing his old wing partner James Milner as he returns for the first time since his controversial departure which seemed to be the catalyst for the implosion that followed at St James’. He along with Ashley Young, and Gabby Agbonlahor provide a very young and Athletic forward line that are complimented very well by the workman like John Carew. Winning the midfield battle and preventing Gareth Barry from controlling the game will be key tonight and it’s likely we will be looking at Guthrie and Barton to really get a foothold on the game.

Up front Ameobi has shown considerable improvement of late, Martins has bagged a couple of goals but has looked inconsistent while Owen has struggled for Fitness so it’s anyone’s guess as to who will start tonight. There is real competition for the left back slot too between Bassong and Enrique while we hope to see Duffs good run continue on the left wing. A strong bench should give us options if things need changing too.

Beyewatch prediction 3-2

Newcastle based mystic Dean 'Midas' Maynard says 2 -1 to the toon.