The team sheets are in ahead of what is perhaps the biggest game in the race for Champions League football for both Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
We’ll be aiming to make it seven wins in a row in all competitions on Saturday night, whilst the hosts look to bounce back from their aggregate loss to PSG midweek.
The Toon head to Villa Park with nine goals scored under the interim management of Jason Tindall, and with both sides desperate for all three points, a goal fest could be on the cards.
Here’s how Tindall and Emery have lined up their teams today:
(4-3-3)
Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento – Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Barnes
Subs: Dubravka, Wilson, Gordon, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Willock, Longstaff, Miley
Birthday boy Nick Pope retains his place in between the sticks, even after the midweek penalty drama against Crystal Palace.
A tough midfield battle can be anticipated today, but the unchanged trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton are more than enough for the challenge ahead.
And Jason Tindall has told Anthony Gordon to “be a good teammate” with Harvey Barnes cementing his place at left-wing in the starting XI after yet another goal on Wednesday night.
(4-2-3-1)
Martinez – Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen – McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans, Asensio, Rogers – Watkins
Subs: Olsen, Disasi, Digne, Garcia, Onana, Barkley, Malen, Rashford, Ramsey
In one of four changes from the PSG game, Marcus Rashford has been dropped to the bench in favour of Ollie Watkins at striker, breaking the streak of starts the Manchester United loanee was enjoying under Emery.
There’s no place for Donyell Malen in the starting XI today, who we can hope won’t replicate his excellent performances for Dortmund when Malen played for the Germans here back in 2023
And in terms of options from the bench, this Villa side may just have the best in the league. We may have to open up a big lead in the opening hour for our best chance at all three points this evening.
Howay The Lads!
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