The Magpies’ advantage over the bottom three was cut to just one point following Fulham’s outstanding win at Liverpool, just hours after Steve Bruce’s side disappointingly drew against West Brom.
However, putting last weekend aside, the visit of Villa to St James’s Park provides United with the opportunity to put pressure on the likes of Fulham and Brighton ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Lose and Newcastle risk losing grip of their own fate, which will undoubtedly prompt further calls for Bruce to be sacked.
However, as communicated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, owner Mike Ashley could be prepared to stick with the 60-year-old head coach, even if the club are relegated to the Championship.
Speaking on his Ask Ornstein show, he said: “My information is, Steve Bruce has firm support from Mike Ashley and I’ve received some indications the view from the top of Newcastle is Bruce is here to stay and the players need to get their act together.
"That may well continue into the Championship if Newcastle are relegated. Mike Ashley does not want to get rid of Steve Bruce
"Now, we know how these things can change in football – they often do, but that’s a pretty interesting stance to take given the feeling of many supporters, given the feeling of many of those players.
"It doesn’t feel conducive to a successful survival bid.”
Meanwhile, former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba is being linked with a potential return to England with Liverpool.
Here are the latest transfer headlines from Newcastle, including more on Mbemba, and their Premier League rivals:
5. Man Utd monitor White
Manchester United have made enquiries about Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White as they continue to monitor his progress on the south coast. (Jonathan Shrager) Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Berge wanted by Arsenal & Spurs
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a summer move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge. The Blades are ready to cash in if their £22million price tag is met. (Jeunes Footeux via Sport Witness) Photo: Catherine Ivill
7. Bayern Munich join Raphinha race
German giants Bayern Munich are the latest club to be linked with a move for Leeds United star Raphinha, despite director of football Victor Orta insisting the Brazilian is not for sale. (Calciomercato) Photo: Naomi Baker
8. Leeds urged to sign Heaton
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson would “love” to see Leeds sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton this summer, believing he’d have a good chance of establishing himself as the club’s number one. (Football Insider) Photo: Jan Kruger