NEWCASTLE UNITED’S players will have to deal with distractions off the field as well as on it when they head to Aston Villa for a crucial fixture in the Premier League relegation battle this weekend.

With the Villans already condemned to spending next season in the Championship, the home supporters are planning a ‘mystery’ protest on the 74th minute as well as a march outside of Villa Park beforehand.

They are furious that the club’s owner Randy Lerner has taken Villa down, having totalled just 16 points from the 36 games this season and they head into the visit of Newcastle on the back of an 11-game losing run.

A statement from the Aston Villa Protest Group read: “As the curtain begins to draw on what has become Aston Villa’s worst season in her illustrious history, we need to ensure that this is our darkest hour, that the rot stops here.

“We must leave Randy Lerner in no doubt that we are organised, passionate and that we are above all prepared. That we no longer accept his ineptitude.

“We must continue to strive for change and at the same time, the supporters of this magnificent club have earned the right to let off steam. If this is to be our last opportunity to do so, at the very least for this season, then together we must make it as vibrant as we possibly can.”

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, knowing his side have not won away from home in 2016, is keen to build on a four-match unbeaten run and preserve their place sitting just above Sunderland and Norwich in the bottom three.