For what feels like the umpteenth game in a row, Newcastle United prepare for an absolute must-win fixture in the race for Champions League football.
With six consecutive wins in all competitions, we’ve recently surged up to 3rd in the table and are starting to look more and more like favourites to play in the UCL come September.
Saturday’s opponents, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, suffered heartbreak midweek against PSG, but boast one of the best recent runs of form in the top flight, as well as phenomenal squad depth.
The reverse fixture on Boxing Day last year was a decidedly one-sided affair in our favour, but it’s highly unlikely that’ll be the same outcome this time around.
Doing the double over Villa just like last season would an undeniable statement from the squad that we are the team to beat in the race for the top five, but even a point on Saturday evening could go a long way.
With no fresh injury concerns to report on, and both Dan Burn and Joelinton avoiding suspension, Jason Tindall will only be missing Lewis Hall and Sven Botman for a full strength Newcastle squad.
But it’s unlikely that Tindall will opt for a change in the lineup that has seen us sweep aside Manchester United and Crystal Palace in the last week.
The manager has even said this in his Friday press conference: “When you’re in good form and winning games it becomes difficult to change your team unless you feel players aren’t performing and I don’t think anyone can say that because the players are collectively and individually delivering excellent performances”
For the hosts, one would expect Marcus Rashford to again be given the nod at no.9 over Ollie Watkins, after the loanee was taken off with 15 minutes to go midweek.
Donyell Mallen, who was instrumental in Villa’s victory against Southampton last weekend and was absent from their UCL squad since signing in January, poses a great threat that we will remember all too well from his time spent at Borussia Dortmund last season.
(4-3-3) Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento – Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Barnes
They say never change a winning team, and even with Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock both available and having shaken off their respective fitness concerns, no one can dispute starting anyone else over Barnes or one of our well-established midfielders.
Alexander Isak will be itching for another goal after his frustrating (but ultimately fruitful) game against Palace. He needs just one more goal to not only eclipse Erling Haaland’s tally for the season, but also set a new personal best in the Premier League.
PSG’s Hakimi and Mendes ran riot across both legs against Villa, so Saturday poses a great opportunity for each of Barnes, Livramento, Murphy and Trippier to exploit Villa’s fullbacks.
Villa’s strong core in midfield will be a challenge for our trio, with Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans in particular the ones to look out for.
Pau Torres is being slowly eased back into the Villa XI, and we can only hope that if he is to start on Saturday, Isak will be able to enjoy a repeat performance against the Spaniard like what we saw in the 5-1 win back in August 2023.
Arsenal at the Emirates aside, this is undoubtedly the biggest test left of the campaign.
Two free scoring sides who both played midweek should give us a goal fest.
It all comes down to how Aston Villa have adapted to their UCL exit and how we in turn adapt our game. We could capitalise on the hosts’ recent cup exit much like we did Liverpool at Wembley and show we are indeed the hungrier, more determined side on the day.
A repeat performance from last season is needed: the much-fancied Villa side soundly beaten with some stunning goals.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-3 Newcastle United
Howay the lads!
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