The Magpies are in a rich vein of form, having won their last three games in style - 4-0 against Leicester City, 3-1 against Brentford and 4-0 against Ipswich Town.

Eddie Howe's side will be looking for a similarly successful afternoon against Villa as they bid to give the United faithful a belated Christmas gift on Boxing Day. Serena Taylor brought newcastleunited.com this gallery from Monday morning's training session.