Aston Villa will be hoping to make it seven wins in eight when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Unai Emery’s side have been flying but the Magpies could prove to be a different kettle of fish to the opponents faced over recent weeks.
Only Manchester City can match Newcastle’s record of winning their last five league outings as Eddie Howe and his men are charging toward UEFA Champions League qualification. Villa are full of confidence, though, having beaten the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth consecutively.
The prospect of a European tour is very much on the cards but it will be games like this that decide whether or not it can be a reality. Chelsea from a few weeks ago may seem like a tough fixture by name, but Newcastle are by far a harder team to face this campaign. This is a real test of where Villa really are after a very promising run.
Emery was hit with an injury concern last weekend as Leon Bailey hobbled off with a hamstring problem, so that will be one guaranteed change to his starting XI. Elsewhere, decisions have to be made for the likes of Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara who are facing late fitness tests.
With all that in mind, here’s the lineup we think Villa will start with on Saturday to give them the best chance of surprising Newcastle – in a 4-4-2 formation. See below.
1. Aston Villa predicted starting lineup vs Newcastle United
Here are the 11 players we think Emery will go with on Saturday.
2. GK: Emiliano Martinez
Clean sheets in three of his last five matches and is looking totally undroppable with some top performances of late.
3. RB: Ashley Young
Stays in the team with Matty Cash still a doubt through injury. His experience has been handy when needed this season, with leadership also a boost.
4. CB: Ezri Konsa
Has really stepped up his game since Diego Carlos returned to full training from injury. The added competition seems to have taken him to the next level.