7* Aston Villa (3:00 ET): Aston Villa’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Man City on Wednesday leaves them buried down in 11th place in the table. But despite that midweek setback, I actually think there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about this Premier League side. Because they’ve been one of the clubs most impacted by COVID-19, AV has 2-3 matches in hand compared to the rest of the league, so there’s a chance to make up ground. They have a goal differential (+13) that’s comparable to the top teams in the table. Saturday’s rescheduled date with struggling Newcastle United is a golden opportunity for three points that they should cash in on at Villa Park.

Newcastle is not doing well right now as they are off a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. I took the Over in that one (2.5) and got it despite the fact Newcastle was kept clean for the fifth time in their last six fixtures. While still seven points clear of the relegation zone, Newcastle is sinking fast and in 15th place. Prior to the 3-0 loss Monday, they suffered a humiliating 1-0 defeat at the hands of last place Sheffield United.

In what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Premier League seasons ever, don’t rule out Aston Villa’s European hopes. This will be their first time playing at home since Boxing Day, which is when they picked up their last Premier League win, so it should be an inspired effort on Saturday. That last home fixture was a decisive 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, a fairly comparable side to Newcastle. Newcastle has no goals in their last five away matches and just one in the last five EPL outings. 7* Aston Villa