Aston Villa are in home Premier League action for the first time in 2024 as they play host to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.
The Villans will be relieved to be back on home soil as it has been an entire month since Unai Emery's side last graced the turf at Villa Park. Douglas Luiz's 89th-minute penalty sealed three points in a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley that day; Emery will be hoping for another three points this time around.
Newcastle, who sensationally qualified for the UEFA Champions League last season, have surprisingly fallen away this term. The Magpies are well down in 10th position and 14 points behind Villa as it stands. Nobody would've expected such a gap - at least this way around - but it has become a reality.
Eddie Howe's team have lost their last four Premier League games and are at risk of falling out of the running for any European qualification whatsoever. The Toon are desperate to turn their season around. Villa, meanwhile, will be eager to get revenge for the 5-1 defeat at St. James' Park on the opening day of the campaign.
A win for the Villans this midweek could see them soar back up to second in the Premier League and within two points of leaders Liverpool. Here's the starting lineup we think Emery will name to give his team the best chance of doing just that.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez was Villa’s hero away at Chelsea on the weekend as he made five excellent saves. He’ll be hoping to dominate between the sticks yet again.
2. RB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa will likely move across to right back as he’s Emery’s preferred option in that position. This is even despite a decent showing from Matty Cash at Stamford Bridge.
3. CB - Diego Carlos
Carlos is well rested and likely to start if Konsa does indeed move to right-back. The Brazilian has impressed when called upon this season.
4. CB - Clement Lenglet
Lenglet didn’t play particularly well at Chelsea but Emery always likes to have a left-footed centre back. Pau Torres is still out after an injury setback.