Aston Villa will be hoping to avoid equalling an 89-year streak when they square off against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
The West Midlands outfit can be satisfied with their opening half to the 2024-25 campaign, impressing in both the Premier League and Champions League.
As well as already guaranteeing a last-24 place in the latter competition, Villa occupy sixth position in the Premier League table with 17 points from 28 matches.
Sitting just five points adrift of third-placed Arsenal, Unai Emery takes his side to St James' Park looking to close the gap on the Gunners.
However, the Spaniard will be less than enthused about Villa's recent record versus Newcastle at a time when his side could equal an unwanted streak.
© Imago
Boxing Day blues
Villa possess an abysmal record when it comes to away fixtures taking place on Boxing Day, their only triumph in their last 12 such fixtures coming away at Derby County in 1999.
A total of seven defeats have been recorded during that time, and Villa are also targeting extending a run that has been held since 1935.
That represented the last time that they suffered four successive defeats on Boxing Day, the run beginning in 1932, with Villa having currently lost three such games in a row with at least three goals being conceded in each.
Last season, Villa went down by a 3-2 scoreline at Manchester United. while they posted a 3-1 reverse at home to Liverpool in 2022.
Three years ago, the ongoing run commenced with a 3-1 defeat at home to Chelsea. With regards to this particular game, Villa are already on a run of four consecutive away defeats in the Premier League.
Furthermore, they are looking to avoid losing three successive matches versus Newcastle United for the first time since 2014. Last season's corresponding fixture ending in a 5-1 triumph for the Magpies.
© Imago
...but Newcastle find themselves in a similar position
Coincidentally, Newcastle have lost their last three Boxing Day fixtures at St James' Park, the longest such run in their history.
Newcastle also possess the most-ever Premier League defeats on Boxing Day with 16, one ahead of Villa.
However, Eddie Howe is looking to defend Newcastle's outstanding home record versus Villa, the North-East side having recorded nine wins and six draws in their most recent 15 Premier League matches against this opponent.
Darren Plant
