It was 21 years since Aston Villa fans last saw their team last win at St James’ Park.
Unai Emery’s side managing to end that run of no wins on Tyneside, just under three weeks ago.
Now Aston Villa fans hoping to see a first win in the FA Cup against Newcastle United in over 25 years.
A place in the FA Cup fifth round is at stake when the two teams meet at 5.45pm on Saturday,
Some very differing views expressed by Villa supporters ahead of facing United.
Aston Villa fans commenting via their Villa Talk message board:
‘Howe’s thug approach has already caused us one major injury so i’d be resting the likes of Rogers.’
‘After a run of poor performances at home we need a reset. We have other priorities this season so this is not an important game for us.’
‘I’d rest Buendia he’s been playing a lot of football and use Elliot instead. As poor as Buendia has been lately, has won us few matches by himself this season already. He’s bound to play pivotal role in a game or two, would rather not risk him against these bunch of cloggers.
If Mings has become our first choice now he also needs a rest, 3 games in 7 days is too risky.
Think Sancho and Rogers will start, Emery is taking FA Cup seriously and they are looking our most threatening duo right now. Sancho just needs to keep playing now as he seems to be getting better and better but very slowly. Rogers..if he’s fit enough Emery will start him.’
‘It is a strange one this as I don’t think it would be a bad thing to go out as it would give us a couple of free weekends at the start of March and April just prior to Europa league midweek fixtures. It is one of those rare games where I’d be happy leaving Villa Park having won and not overly disappointed with a defeat.’
‘Newcastle also don’t need this game as they have their ECL match after this.
I want us to win, but rest a couple of players. Rogers on the bench. Onana too.’
‘If we beat Newcastle then get an easy draw (there’s still plenty of weaker teams left), we could easily be in the quarters which are played in April. We should have Tielemans and SJM back by then.
I don’t want to lose any more players to injury but than can happen in any game. It’s only speculation on my part but I do think Emery has half an eye on winning the FA Cup as well as the Europa and finishing top five.’
‘Id say both sides wont take unnecessary risks with anyone given games ahead, Newcastle still trying to get back into Europe by finishing top 8 and champions league so wont be able to go all out here either, Bruno injured again for them as well.
We will still go strong but from last night against Brighton, I see a lot of changes.’
‘Go strong or go second 11 ???
IMO go 5 regular starters (current injuries being considered) and 6 second choice (or something close to that)’
‘I don’t think we’ll see wholesale changes like some are suggesting, although I’d like to see some rotation and rest the likes of Konsa, Martinez and Rogers. We have a full week’s rest before Leeds, and six days before Wolves, I’m sure will factor into Unai’s thinking.’
‘Would be lovely to rotate and get a win with an easy draw in 5th round. Not a priority in the grand scheme of things, but this is a chance of a trophy.’
‘There’s no chance Emery will throw it away but I think he’ll rotate as much as he thinks he can to be honest. Europa League and CL qualification take priority…’
‘I can’t see Guimaraes playing which would be a huge plus for us, but I can see this being decided on penalties.’
‘Bruno g is injured it looks like. They rushed him back. Bad mistake by howe.’
‘I watched the Spurs game on Tuesday. He was limping a bit with ten minutes to go but with them winning it seemed a case of just keeping him on until his body broke down and then his hamstring went as injury time was approaching.
So no chance he is playing tomorrow. Newcastle on the bench the other night had all of Hall, Tonali, Wissa and Woltemede so feels a bit they rotated with one eye on our game.
Think they’ll edge us out tomorrow.’
‘We dont have another game for a week so we can afford to go a bit strong.’
‘They’re missing Bruno G, Joelinton and Miley from centre mid. Tonali and Ramsey to start in there – or do they not risk them with CL in mind.
You’d think even if we make a few changes we’d still have enough to get past these as depleted and wary as they may be.’
‘Have a feeling Onana may play as we’ll need his height for set pieces – Newcastle are very big…’
‘Given the fact that Newcastle don’t have many fit midfielders I wonder if they might go with a back 3 since they’ve done that a few times already this season’