Nicolas Jackson’s scoring run meets Newcastle’s leaky defence

Newcastle United have conceded 13 goals in six Premier League matches, leaving them with the joint-worst defensive record in the division. Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson arrives after scoring in each of his last two Gameweeks, setting up a clear test for the hosts’ defence.

Newcastle’s latest setback was a 4-1 defeat by Coventry City on Monday. They have eight points from six league games, with two wins, two draws and two defeats. Now they face an Aston Villa forward who has been scoring in both league and European competition.

Jackson has returned 15 Fantasy Premier League points across Villa’s games against Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford. He also led all forwards for FPL attempts across those two Gameweeks, with 10 shots. On Wednesday, he scored twice in Villa’s 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahçe.

That form makes Jackson an obvious FPL name to watch against Newcastle. Villa’s preview, produced with Fantasy Football Scout, lists him at £6.6m and notes that only 2.8% of FPL managers owned him at the time. That low ownership gives him potential as a differential for managers looking beyond the most popular picks.

The fixture run after Newcastle adds to the appeal. Villa host Manchester City next, then face Fulham at home, Manchester United away, Sunderland at home, Ipswich Town away, Everton and Crystal Palace at home, and Coventry City away. The club’s preview suggests Jackson could be a dependable “set-and-forget” pick through the end of the year.

First, Villa must take on a Newcastle side whose defensive record is already among the league’s worst. Jackson’s recent goals and shot volume give him a strong FPL case; Newcastle’s response after Monday’s defeat will shape the challenge facing him.