The progress Newcastle have made under Joe Kinnear hasn’t been quite as spectacular as Harry Redknapp’s start at Tottenham, but the sweary Irishman’s impact might be more noticeable if they claim a point tonight, putting the north Londoners back on the bottom of the table. Here’s why chickendinner believe they should get some points tonight:

1. Aston Villa have taken three points on just two of their last fifteen Premier League visits to St James’ Park.

2. From 1990 onwards, Aston Villa have only won consecutive games against the Magpies on one occasion - in 2004-05. Martin O’Neill’s side won the last encounter in February.

3. Under Kinnear, Newcastle have turned full circle from a run of three consecutive home defeats to draw with Manchester City and beat West Brom.

4. Aston Villa have won just three of their last seven away league games and they were rather fortunate to catch both Tottenham and Wigan when they were struggling for form.

5. Since Martin O’Neill took charge in 2006, Villa have never had more than one block of consecutive league away wins in a season. Seeing as they have already won successive games against Tottenham and West Brom, that suggests they can’t build on the win at Wigan.