Source: SKY_Sports
Newcastle v Villa preview
Newcastle United's 16-year stay in the Premier League could come to an end on 'Survival Sunday' when they travel to Aston Villa.
The flailing Magpies sit 18th in the table, one point behind Hull City - who host champions Manchester United - and safety, while bitter North East rivals Sunderland are two ahead as they host Chelsea.
Therefore, even a win at Villa Park may not be enough to ensure the St James' Park outfit do not slip back into the second tier for the first time since 1993.
Alan Shearer maintains the stance that his SOS mission will be a success, although last weekend's home defeat to Fulham dealt a hammer blow to spirits on Tyneside.
Villa, meanwhile, have enjoyed a far more successful season and sit in sixth position, guaranteed of a spot in the Europa League and hoping to overtake fifth-placed Everton.
Injuries continue to hamper Newcastle as Habib Beye, the club's only senior right-back, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Central defender Sebastien Bassong is suspended after an appeal to overturn his red card against Fulham failed, meaning Steven Taylor is likely to switch to right-back as Fabricio Coloccini is offered rare opportunity under Shearer.
Left-back Jose Enrique could return from his hamstring problem, while skipper Michael Owen is expected to train as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
Obafemi Martins is being nursed through his own long-standing groin problem, although Alan Smith (thigh) is fit. Joey Barton is banned.
Wilfred Bouma remains on the sidelines for Villa as the full-back continues his season-long recovery from an ankle problem suffered last July.
Midfielder Gareth Barry and defender Carlos Cuellar overcame illness to feature in last weekend's draw at Middlesbrough and should again start.
Full-back Luke Young did not play at The Riverside after suffering a recurrence of a foot problem in the build-up to the match, while Ashley Young sustained a calf injury in the 1-1 draw.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill will be without retired centre-back Martin Laursen, who last Friday announced he was bringing an end to his playing career due to injury.
Possible starting XIs
Aston Villa: Friedel, Milner, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Barry, Petrov, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Carew.
Newcastle: Harper, Taylor, Bassong, Coloccini, Duff, Guthrie, Butt, Nolan, Gutierrez, Owen, Viduka.
