Aston Villa will take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday hoping to secure a positive result on the road. The Villans will come into the contest on the back of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea last weekend. They will be desperate to bounce back from that loss when they clash heads with Steve Bruce’s men in midweek. However, it will be easier said than done based on the Magpies’ recent performance in the dominant 3-0 victory over Sheffield United on Sunday.
Dean Smith will stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation and bring Marvelous Nakamba back to his first-team for this Premier League encounter away at Tyneside.
4-3-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Newcastle United
Defence
Ørjan Nyland should retain his place in between the sticks for the home team while Pepe Reina settles for a spot on the bench. Tyrone Mings will once again partner Kortney Hause at the heart of Smith’s backline. Both centre-backs will have to put in a much-improved shift defensively if they are to keep the Newcastle attackers at bay in midweek.
Ezri Konsa will look to impress as the right-back while Matt Targett gets another chance to shine from the left-back position. Both full-backs will have to keep a good defensive shape and might also be instructed to get forward and create some decent openings for the front players.
Midfield
Marvelous Nakamba could anchor the midfield after being rested versus the Blues last weekend. John McGinn and Douglas Luiz will accompany him at the centre of the park. The hard-working trio needs to ensure that they get a foothold in the game and will hope to set-up a few goal-scoring chances for the frontline on the counter.
Conor Hourihane might be given a rest in midweek but should be fit enough to start on the bench.
Attack
Jack Grealish will carry most of Villa’s creative workload down the left while Anwar El Ghazi looks to use his pace and guile to cause some problems for the Magpies defenders down the right flank. Keinan Davis will lead the charge for the Villans down the middle despite failing to score in back-to-back matches against Sheffield United and Chelsea respectively.
Both Trezeguet and Mbwana Samatta will be available on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.
