It has been a forgettable season for Newcastle United - a season that many hoped would see us push for Champions League qualification has soured to the point that we are sitting here at the end of January with a 6-pointer against Aston Villa. The sights have been adjusted downwards accordingly, and a comfortable survival is probably best-case hope for the club. Obviously, today would go a certain amount of distance in helping that goal if Newcastle are able to get a result. Insulated by a 4-point gap to 14th and a 4 point gap to 18th, I don't need to say that it'd be best if we were to close the gap on 14th instead of the other way around.

In positive news, Moussa Sissoko is expected to start, Yanga-Mbiwa will be available and depending on what Pardew does, Yoan Gouffran could see his Toon debut as well...

So... it's 1 hour 45 minutes until kickoff... and I'm restless. So this is going up... if you all are around and want to discuss the signings pre-game or whatever, I'll be here. Need. Kickoff. Soon.

Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Krul; Debuchy, S.Taylor, Coloccini (c), Santon; Perch, Cabaye; Gouffran, Sissoko, Gutierrez; Cisse

Substitutes: Harper, Yanga-Mbiwa, Williamson, Bigirimana, Anita, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi

Aston Villa(4-4-1-1): Guzan, Vlaar [c], Clark, Bennett, Baker, Lowton, Westwood, Bannan, N’Zogbia, Benteke, Bent

Substitutes: Given, Ireland, Lichaj, Holman, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery.