Aston Villa and Newcastle United return to Premier League action as the two meet at Villa Park on Tuesday night (January 30).
Both teams were in FA Cup action with the Villains afforded a days extra rest following their goalless draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday night. The Magpies won 2-0 against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday thanks to goals in either half from Sean Longstaff and Dan Burn.
Villa remain in the FA Cup and the Conference League but the Premier League is their priority and are currently on course for a Champions League place. They are fourth going into the match and a win could take them as high as second if results go in their favour. Newcastle are currently 10th and they could overtake Chelsea, Man United and Brighton to move up to seventh.
The January transfer window shuts on Thursday (January 2) and it will be interesting to see whether any players will be left out ahead of a potential move. Jhon Duran has been linked with a move to Chelsea but he is currently injured however that might not detract the Blues from making a move. Villa are in the market for a striker should Duran depart but it will be a tough ask of any player to try and displace Ollie Watkins given the form he has been in this term.
Newcastle's injury list is slightly longer than Villa's - and England international Kieran Trippier had a groin complaint in their win against Fulham. The Toon have had a bad month in terms of injuries with Joelinton going under the knife and because of Financial Fair Play restrictions, they have been restricted from making any real notable moves in the transfer market.
Both Unai Emery and Eddie Howe will be without several of their players and will have to consider changing up the team with it being a double game week. Here is the latest injury and team news ahead of Tuesday night's clash.
1. Jacob Ramsey - doubt
Given an outside chance of featuring on Tuesday. A hamstring injury looked like it could have initially been three weeks but could be back this week.
2. Sandro Tonali - out
Serving a ban that runs until August.
3. Bertrand Traore - out.
Traore is currently away at the African Cup of Nations. Burkina Faso play Mali in the knockout rounds.
4. Joelinton - out
Underwent surgery on his thigh after sustaining an injury. Expected to be out until May.