Pundit lauds Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce and reveals Aston Villa scoreline prediction

Writing his prediction's column for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson has this time picked a 1-1 draw between the Villains and the Magpies.

Justifying his selection, Lawro wrote: "I've said before that I think Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has done a really good job and his side know how to play his system. That's why they are safe already.

"Sunday's win over Sheffield United essentially secured the Magpies' survival - they are 13th, 11 points above the bottom three with eight games to go. Villa, meanwhile, are still in deep trouble.

"They have had a bit of a nightmare in their first two games back, and I think they will have to wait a little bit longer for their first win since January."

Meanwhile, the ex-Liverpool defender's midweek opponent, rapper Aitch, backed the Magpies to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory at St. James' Park.

Villa head into the game straight off the back of a 2-1 loss to Chelsea - a scoreline which rather flattered Dean Smith's side, who were comprehensively outplayed by a Blues team who bossed the game with 74% of the possession, and were allowed to take 19 shots at goal throughout the duration of the match.