Newcastle United play host to Aston Villa in the Championship on Monday night.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Ex-Magpies striker Mick Quinn explained why Monday night’s game at home to Aston Villa is so important for Rafa Benitez’ men, when writing his regular column for the Chronicle, following the manner in which Villa fans celebrated their 0-0 draw with Newcastle last season, that essentially condemned the Tyneside outfit to relegation.
Both sides have suffered contrasting fortunes since they dropped down to England’s second tier, with Newcastle riding high in second spot in the table, with a game in hand over league leaders Brighton, whilst the Villans are in the midst of a horrendous run in the Championship, and sit precariously in 17th position.
If Benitez’ men beat Bruce’s side on Monday night, there is no question that the Midlands outfit will be firmly entrenched in a relegation battle – something that would have been unthinkable at the beginning of their campaign.
And Quinn explained why he wants the Magpies to show Villa no mercy, when writing his column for the Chronicle, drawing attention to last season’s poor showing from Villa fans when the two side’s met:
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
“Newcastle United still owe Aston Villa one. I, like most Newcastle fans, will never forget those Villa fans celebrating the 0-0 draw at Villa Park last May which all-but condemned the Magpies to relegation. They need to compound Villa’s misery by putting Steve Bruce’s side to the sword. A second demotion in as many seasons seems unthinkable, but Newcastle could make fans of the Second City club start to look nervously over their shoulders if they are taken apart on Tyneside.”
Bruce will be desperate for his team to halt their worrying slide down the league table, by taking all three points from St James’ Park.
That will be easier said than done, however, with Newcastle currently playing some superb football, and unbeaten in the Championship since January 2nd.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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