Lucas Digne makes big St James’ admission ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match
09:19, 24 Jan 2026Updated 09:19, 24 Jan 2026
Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne clears from Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier(Image: )
Aston Villa are well aware of the task they face this weekend as they look the bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Everton against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side boast a proud home record, and and have not lost at home in the league since September, when Arsenal pulled off a late 2-1 victory.
The Magpies come into Sunday’s Premier League test on the back of a four-match unbeaten run in the league, and fresh from Wednesday night’s emphatic 3-0 Champions League success against PSV Eindhoven.
Villa, who recovered from a slow start to sit third in the table, were shocked by Everton at home last weekend, although did record a 1-0 win over Fenerbahce on Thursday night in the Europa League.
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Experienced full-back Lucas Digne insists his team-mates are fully focused on getting back on track in the league, but is under no illusions over how tough it will be on Tyneside.
“St James’ Park is different, it will be a tough game in a tough stadium,” Digne said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a good game there. When you play at home and when you play away in the Premier League makes a big difference.
“Away, they have their fans pushing them and it’s really difficult.
“We want to react in the Premier League against Newcastle – it will be our main target.”
Both sides have had to cope with the rigours of playng in European competition, while also focusing on domestic priorities, but it’s something Digne feels Villa are becoming more accustomed to
“After Europe it’s always tough because we are travelling back, but we know now how to manage it better,” he added.
“We know how to rest, and the club is doing it really well.
“Our mentality is to win every game and to do our job in our way.”
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