Newcastle United assistant coach Jason Tindall revisits Christmastime spat with Unai Emery ahead of Saturday's meeting at Villa Park

Jason Tindall will come face-to-face with Unai Emery as equals on Saturday as the assistant coach takes charge of his third Newcastle United game in a row against Aston Villa in the 5:30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

Back in December, as Newcastle beat Villa 3-0 at St James' Park, tensions were pretty high on and off the pitch.

A contentious red card saw Villa striker Jhon Duran sent off for what was adjudged to be a stamp on Fabian Schar, and from there on, there was an extra level of spice around the game.

Jason Tindall landed himself in hot water after a 'scuffle' in the tunnel with a Villa staff member with both men being sent off. While Tindall was eventually cleared, the analyst was charged by the FA.

Will Jason Tindall shake the hand of Unai Emery on Saturday?

At full time, Jason Tindall emerged from the tunnel wearing a WHAM! hoodie doctored with his and Eddie Howe's faces, which seemed to cause great offence to Unai Emery after fans had been serenading the assistant coach with their version of Last Christmas following his touchline antics.

So, naturally, Tindall was asked about meeting Emery this weekend after that incident in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning (h/t The Chronicle).

"I'll always offer my hand for the opposition manager. In this game all you want to do is win. I'm very passionate, it's the only thing that crosses your mind during battle. It's frustrating at times. I'll certainly hold my hand out to him [Emery].

"There was a lot of talk about that before the game but it was pre-planned before the game! A fan asked me before the game to wear it and I said I would if we won."

Never mind the dugout, we only really care about what happens on the pitch

We're sure Sky Sports will capture all the tension in the dugout on Saturday and we'll see whether or not the two will put aside their differences and act professionally.

Honestly, imagine getting bent out of shape over an item of clothing, though.

Whatever happens between the pair before kick-off, the only thing we're really concerned with is who wins the tactical battle on the pitch.