Newcastle United vs Aston Villa team news: Eddie Howe and Unai Emery name lineups on Boxing Day

Kick-off is fast approaching for this afternoon’s Boxing Day clash between the Magpies and the Villans at St. James’ Park. It’s a game that could have big ramifications on this campaign’s race for Europe as both Villa and Newcastle are gunning for the Champions League positions.

Eddie Howe and Unai Emery have named their teams, with the hosts making two changes from the XI that beat Ipswich Town 4-0 last weekend. Kieran Trippier and Joelinton head into the lineup to replace Tino Livramento and Joe Willock. The visitors, meanwhile, are unchanged from their 2-1 win over Manchester City.

Newcastle vs Aston Villa lineups

Newcastle XI: Dubravka (GK); Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Isak.

Newcastle subs: Odysseas (GK), Barnes, Targett, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Willock, Longstaff, Miley.

Villa XI: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Rogers; Tielemans, Duran.

Villa subs: Olsen (GK), Mings, Nedeljkovic, D. Carlos, Barkley, Buendia, Bailey, Philogene, Watkins.