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The Ireland international has scored five goals in four games, including both in the 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
Newcastle, who have lost their last three games, will be without midfielder Scott Parker with suspected glandular fever.
Arsenal, buoyant after their superb 2-0 victory over Juventus in the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, are at home to an Aston Villa side still not safe from relegation.
The Gunners have not lost the fixture since 1993.
Blackburn, with five wins from their last six league games, can benefit from any slip-ups from Arsenal or Tottenham when they play Wigan Athletic on Monday.
At the bottom, Portsmouth continue their late dash for Premier League survival at Fulham after last week's fixture at home to Arsenal was postponed because of heavy rain.
The south coast club are second from bottom on 24 points and two consecutive victories hav...
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