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.
9. RM: Bertrand Traore
Making up for his £16m price tag with goals in his last two games. The Burkinase has come to life since his loan recall and is an easy choice to replace the injured Leon Bailey. | Getty Images
10. LM: Jacob Ramsey
Not quite as good on the right flank as he is the left – so we think Emery will return Ramsey to his favoured position. Has been in top form of late. | Getty Images
11. CF: Emi Buendia
Featured on the flanks against Leicester City and Nottingham Forest but goes back to the spot just behind the striker to facilitate Traore’s arrival in the XI. | Getty Images
12. ST: Ollie Watkins
Unstoppable and in the form of his life with seven goals and one assist in his last nine Premier League games. Starting to wonder if he’s R9 in disguise, to be honest. | Getty Images