Aston Villa predicted XI v Newcastle: ‘surprising’ Marco Bizot decision made as £31m star axed after blunder
Predicting Unai Emery’s Aston Villa lineup to take on Newcastle United away in the Premier League.
Aston Villa’s focus shifts back to the Premier League this Sunday as they travel northeast to take on fellow Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United.
Unai Emery’s side, buoyant after securing a Europa League last 16 place with a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce on Thursday, will be eager to carry over some momentum. But it won’t be easy to win this weekend, as St. James’ Park is notoriously a difficult ground to visit and Newcastle are on a march.
The Magpies have struggled for results away from home this season but they’ve been very difficult to beat on their own turf, losing just two of their 11 games at St. James’ so far. Eddie Howe’s side have also won three of their last four Premier League games full stop.
The Villans, down on numbers following injuries for Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Emiliano Martinez, will be a little battered and bruised heading into the weekend. But there’s plenty of confidence in the squad and whoever plays will give it their best shot.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle
With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name against the Toon.
GK - Marco Bizot: With all due respect, it’s been rather surprising to see just how well Bizot - as a backup goalkeeper - has done in the absence of Emiliano Martinez. With Martinez still a doubt with a calf problem, with transfer speculation rife and following Bizot’s commanding display at Fenerbahce, no change is required here.
RB - Matty Cash: One of the first names on the team sheet, Cash has proven to be a very reliable asset for Emery. There was once a time Emery was unsure about his right-back options but Cash has now adapted to the manager’s system.
CB - Ezri Konsa: Villa’s number four has had the odd shaky moment this season but he’s been brilliant most of the time. Konsa, who was rested midweek, will be eager to carry on his fine form ahead of the World Cup.
CB - Tyrone Mings: After dominating in his battle with Jhon Duran in Istanbul, Mings deserves to start again. Pau Torres, meanwhile, could remain benched after his blunder against Everton.
LB - Ian Maatsen: Emery has chopped and changed between Maatsen and Digne this season. Both have been a little out of sorts lately, but Maatsen probably deserves the nod.
CDM - Lamare Bogarde: Proving to be a brilliant utility option, Bogarde’s versatility has been tapped into at the base of midfield. If Amadou Onana is ready, he could start instead, but the Belgian is not long back.
CDM - Youri Tielemans: Always reliable in whichever midfield role he plays, Tielemans has been superb again so far this season. The Belgian got in a bit of a spat with his manager midweek, but Emery played it down.
CAM - Emiliano Buendia: Villa’s man of the match against Spurs with a goal and assist, Buendia has looked confident lately. The Argentine’s decision-making is at times questionable, but he’s been good enough to start.
RW - Jadon Sancho: Fresh off the back of his first goal in Villa colours, Sancho is likely to play again. Leon Bailey is back after being recalled from his Roma loan but probably won’t start. McGinn is out for a few weeks, most likely.
LW - Morgan Rogers: Undroppable when available, Rogers simply has to start. Rogers has been in every Premier League XI so far this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists.
ST - Ollie Watkins: Until Villa sign a new striker to replace Donyell Malen, Watkins is effectively guaranteed to start up front. The England international has been hot and cold this season, but there’s no doubting his ability.