Aston Villa are looking for vital three points as they lock horns with Newcastle United on Sunday. The Villans have endured a mixed run of form of late, with their recent outing resulting in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Leeds United. They will be hoping to secure a victory this weekend which could potentially help them get back into the top half of the Premier League table.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard will have to deal with the absence of Ezri Konsa, who faces a two-match ban after being sent off for the second time this season in the game against Leeds United.
Konsa’s absence should pave the way for new signing Calum Chambers to make his starting debut for Aston Villa. He is expected to accompany Tyrone Mings at the heart of the four-man backline, as they look to keep a valuable clean sheet against an unpredictable Newcastle United attack.
Elsewhere in defence, Matty Cash and Lucas Digne remain favourites to occupy the fullback slots and complete the back-four that will look to cover Emiliano Martinez in between the sticks.
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Midfield
Moving into midfield, Gerrard has no reasons to tinker with his three-man setup involving Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.
While Luiz will be in charge of Villa’s second line of press, McGinn and Ramsey should offer the thrust in midfield, with the latter notably bagging an assist against Leeds United in midweek. Gerrard does have Morgan Sanson as an alternative, should he prefer more creativity in the middle of the park.
Attack
As for the attack, Aston Villa are sweating on the fitness of Emi Buendia heading into this clash. The Argentine had picked up a knock against Leeds United, but Gerrard is hoping that he will be fit for this encounter.
Subject to his fitness, Buendia remain likely to form the two-man creative setup for Aston Villa alongside January signing Philippe Coutinho. The South American duo offer a lot of dynamism and creativity in the final third that could be useful against a leaky Newcastle United backline this weekend.
However, it will be equally important for striker Ollie Watkins to convert the chances created by these individuals. Danny Ings is also available as an alternative, should Gerrard prefer a more traditional number nine.
