Newcastle United return to Premier League action for one of our biggest games of the campaign so far: at home against high-flying Aston Villa.
After Wednesday’s resounding win in the Champions League against PSV, we’ll be hoping to continue our unbeaten league form in 2026 at the expense of Unai Emery’s side.
Whilst we boast a stellar recent record against Villa at St James’ Park, we’ll have to win without Bruno Guimaraes, who was forced off during the midweek game and who we are winless in the 10 games he’s missed due to injury in his Newcastle career.
Here’s how the teams lineup on Sunday afternoon at St James’ Park:
Newcastle XI: Pope – Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall – Tonali, Miley, Joelinton – Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
Subs: Ramsdale, Osula, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, Burn, A.Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar
Aston Villa XI: Martinez – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen – Onana, Tielemans – Sancho, Buendia, Rogers – Watkins
Lewis Miley returns to the starting XI as the sole change made by Howe from Wednesday’s Champions League win, with Yoane Wissa retaining his spot as striker following his MOTM display against PSV.
Miley steps into the midfielder rather than the defence in the place of the injured Bruno, where many may have expected him to deputise in defence and Jacob Ramsey come into the fold.
And the pair of Dan Burn and Will Osula both feature in a matchday squad for the first time in 2026, having just recently returned to training on grass.
Meanwhile the visitors were dealt a huge blow earlier this week with Boubacar Kamara ruled out for the season, and with no John McGinn or Ross Barkley, it’s the double pivot of Onana and Tielemans today.
Emiliano Martinez, who missed the opening day clash due to suspension, is in net whilst Thursday’s match winner Jadon Sancho starts in the attack.
It’s a six pointer in the race for Champions League football, let’s keep the momentum up ahead of PSG: Howay The Lads!
Add Comment