This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has backed the job Steve Bruce is overseeing at Newcastle and has revealed his thoughts on the team, while predicting that he expects them to lose 2-1 at Aston Villa on Monday.

What did he say?

Bruce continues to split opinion in the north-east and although he has back-to-back victories to boast of, there is still a section of fans who have yet to buy into his management style.

Nicholas, however, seems to be on his side. Ahead of the previous round of Premier League fixtures he praised Bruce for his attacking ambition as a manager, stating that the lack of quality of Newcastle's players was what was limiting him so far this season.

He has reiterated the dearth of quality in playing personnel while praising Bruce's ambition, and the suggestion that Newcastle fans should get on side may irk a few, as it is they who have to put up with a return of just 11 goals in 12 league games.

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In making his prediction for Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Nicholas told Sky Sports:

"I have been impressed with both of these sides. Steve Bruce wants to play better football but he has a lack of choices. Newcastle fans have to admit that this is a tough job and he is having to battle through, which I think he has done superbly thus far."

Despite the plaudits, he views Villa as a strong attacking side who are able to create ample opportunities, and his view on who will win could be another cause of annoyance for the Magpies supporters.

He added: "Villa is also Bruce's old club and will sit in once again, but Villa will sneak it. There is enough about them to create enough chances."

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Close encounter

Newcastle have four more points than Aston Villa so far but there are signs that both teams are becoming more adjusted to their different surroundings.

Dean Smith's side have improved of late but there are still signs that their defence can be put under pressure, and with Newcastle finding some goalscoring form, with the front three particuarly excelling, it is possible they may get more than the one goal Nicholas predicts.

The pundit is concerned with the quality in the Magpies squad, but Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin have posed a danger recently without scoring, and considering how close they have come - with the latter hitting the bar last time out - it is surely only a matter of time until they break their goal ducks.

Joelinton too could begin to show his worth should the team play to his strengths, and considering the Toon have the defensive organisation to contain Villa they should be confident of getting a result.