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Premier League talking points for this weekend’s action

By David Hathaway

Could Chelsea actually be relegated?
Could Chelsea actually be relegated? /
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Jul 26, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark (6) controls the ball during the second half against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Aston Villa defeated the Dynamo 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark (6) controls the ball during the second half against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Aston Villa defeated the Dynamo 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Newcastle continue to drag themselves out of trouble?

Just when Newcastle were beginning to look completely hopeless, they pull off consecutive wins against Liverpool and Spurs. No one could have predicted either victory, with Liverpool still riding the crest of Jürgenmania and Spurs undefeated since the opening day. But against the odds Newcastle picked up six points from six and are now starting to look up the table rather than back down it.

On Saturday evening, they entertain an Aston Villa side mired in misery with only six points accrued from 16 games and no wins since the opening day at Bournemouth. New manager Rémi Garde has stabilised the team somewhat amid a difficult run of fixtures, but any grace period must surely now be at an end.

Garde has spoken positively in the press about his belief in the team to put together an increasingly improbable run of form to secure Premier League safety, but any charge up the table must surely begin this weekend at St. James’s Park. Over the next four games, Villa face Newcastle, West Ham, Norwich and Sunderland in a run of fixtures that presents Villa’s best chance of dragging themselves out of the mess they find themselves in. Villa are six points behind Sunderland in 19th, and eight behind Swansea and Norwich who lie in 17th and 18th.

Garde has targeted at least six points from these upcoming games and would love to cut the pressure on his team by picking up a victory this weekend. Even six points—doubling Villa’s current points tally!—would likely leave Villa bottom, but finally breaking such a long winless run could mentally free a group of players that are completely bereft of confidence.

On the surface, following two victories against the league’s elite, Newcastle should handily dispatch this Villa side, but wouldn’t it just be classic Newcastle to falter in a fixture like this? Villa have to hope that early season Newcastle turn up for this one, as without a win here they will be rapidly picking up speed towards the Championship.

Next: Arsenal v City

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