Newcastle United will clash heads with Aston Villa at Villa Park this weekend as they try to secure a positive result on the road. The Magpies suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of West Ham United earlier this month, so they will be desperate to produce a better showing against the Villans on Saturday afternoon.
Steve Bruce will opt for a 3-5-2 formation and could bring Jamaal Lascelles back for this game if he can pass a late fitness test. The English defender’s inclusion would mean that Emil Krafth will drop to the bench. Otherwise, the Newcastle boss might keep changes to a minimum for this away encounter at the West Midlands.
3-5-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Aston Villa
Defence
Freddie Woodman will continue to feature in goal for the Magpies as Karl Darlow is unlikely to recover in time for this game. Bruce might choose to play a back three of Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles (if he is fit) and Ciaran Clark against the Villans this weekend. All three defenders will be instructed to stop Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings from scoring throughout the game.
As mentioned earlier, Emil Krafth will offer cover for the centre-back positions on Bruce’s bench.
Midfield
Miguel Almiron, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden will function as the central midfielders as they look to work hard towards stopping the Villans from creating too many chances from midfield. Almiron and Shelvey will also be expected to create some decent openings for their teammates up top.
Matt Ritchie will get a chance to impress as the left wing-back while Jacob Murphy gets the nod to feature down the right flank following his goal-scoring display last weekend. Both of them will be instructed to get to the byline and whip in a few inviting crosses for the Newcastle strikers inside the Villa penalty box.
Jeff Hendrick will be available for selection on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact as a substitute if Bruce decides to call upon his services.
Attack
Allan Saint-Maximum is expected to operate along with Callum Wilson in the attacking end of the field. Wilson got his name on the scoresheet versus the Hammers, so he will be full of confidence heading into this league game on Saturday.
Joelinton and Dwight Gayle will have to settle for a place on the Magpies bench but could come on to influence the game in the latter stages if required.
