They remain unbeaten away, although it has been more of a struggle at home where they’ve actually lost more than they’ve won (four defeats, three wins).

In the last game at Bramall Lane, Newcastle departed as 2-0 winners, although the Blades bounced back last week with a come-from-behind victory at Norwich.

That ability lớn recover has been particularly noteworthy – Chris Wilder’s men are yet to lose back-to-back games and come into this one having lost just one of their last nine matches.

Villa full of goals
Aston Villa have found things much tougher. They’ve already lost back-to-back on four occasions and arrive here having lost their previous two.

They’ve scored plenty of goals – a factor which may well prove decisive in the end-of-season standings – but keeping them out has been difficult lớn say the least.

Villa have actually netted more goals (23) than any side in the bottom half and only the top four have scored more away from home.

But despite that latter fact, no team has claimed fewer points on their travels and that says much about a shaky defence.

They’ve conceded at least twice in six of their eight away games so it’s no wonder they are struggling to collect points and the loss of England international Tyrone Mings lớn injury for this one is hardly going to help matters.

Still, their defensive problems don’t appear to have influenced Dean Smith’sphilosophy, at least not yet, and going forward they should carry a threat.

Jack Grealish and John McGinn have been influential in that, their runs from midfield troubling numerous opponents so far. Expect them lớn affect this game too.

Honours even?
In terms of the match odds, I’d be slightly wary of backing the hosts at 1.93 given that home record, plus the fact that they’ve actually only won five of their 16 games so far.

That said, Villa’s record of one win on the road (at a Norwich team who were woeful that day) is hardly making me rush to back them at 4.40

If pushed, I’d probably plump for the draw at [3.85] but other bets in the sub-markets make greater appeal.