Newcastle United will play hosts to Aston Villa at St. James’ Park on Friday night, hoping to pick up a positive result at home. The Magpies will head into the contest on the back of a monotonous 0-0 draw against West Brom, so they’ll be eager to put up an encouraging performance against the Villans.
Steve Bruce will probably opt for the 4-4-2 formation, and he might keep changes to a minimum for the upcoming home encounter.
4-4-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Defence
Martin Dubravka will continue to operate in between the sticks for the hosts. The Slovak shot-stopper made a couple of good saves to stop the Baggies from finding the back of the net last week, and he’ll be hoping to repeat more of the same this Friday.
Steve Bruce is expected to field the defensive duo of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark at the heart of Magpies’ backline. Their main objective would be to track and close down the potential openings Jack Grealish and John McGinn might create.
Emile Krafth is a guaranteed starter at the right-back spot, whereas Paul Dummett will fill in on the other flank as the left-back.
Midfield
Issac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, and Jeff Hendrick are expected to start in the central midfield positions.
Joe Willock will slot into the attacking midfield role. With Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin out due to injuries, the Arsenal loanee will be expected to carry most of his side’s creative burdens.
Matt Ritchie and Sean Longstaff will have to settle for a place on the bench but could come on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Ryan Fraser and Joelinton will form the strike partnership for the Magpies upfront. The duo will have to make the most of their chances if they wish to pick up a positive result against the side that has secured four clean sheets in the last six league matches.
