Newcastle United will travel to Villa Park on Monday to take on Aston Villa. Steve Bruce will look to get three Premier League wins on the spin, a feat which the Magpies haven’t achieved in close to a year. United are currently in good form after a slow start to the season as they have lost just once in their last five Premier League games. That has propelled them to the 13th spot on the table.
The Toon also have a favourable record against Villa as they are unbeaten against them in their last 12 league games. Dean Smith’s men have struggled off late as they have suffered three back to back losses. His side are currently three points above the relegation zone, but this is the kind of game where the Villans will hope to pick up some points. Steve Bruce will look to get one over Smith as he succeeded him at Aston Villa after Bruce’s departure last year.
Team News: Midfielder Sean Longstaff will sit out again due to his three-match suspension. This will be his last game out due to the ban. Jamaal Lascelles will be a big miss in defence for the English manager. Matt Ritchie is also unlikely to be available. Ciaran Clark is battling to remain fit. Florian Lejeune could likely make a comeback in this tie. Fabian Schar is expected to be available after missed the last game.
5-4-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Formation (5-4-1)
Defence
Martin Dubravka has been rock solid in goal, and he should continue between the sticks. It will be a risk to start Lejeune from the start if he is fit so he might only make the bench in this tie.
Federico Fernandez could play in the centre of the back three. Fabian Schar could be on his right, and Paul Dummett will likely be on his left.
Jetro Willems has managed to impress in the wing-back role, and he should continue from the left flank. American international DeAndre Yedlin will be expected to start from the right in a wing-back position.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden should continue in central areas, and he is likely to be partnered by Jonjo Shelvey, who has made some positive impact in the last few games.
Allan Saint-Maximin has been the signing of the summer for the Magpies, and his direct runs and pace could trouble the Villa defence from the left-wing. Miguel Almiron will feature from the opposite wing on the right.
Attack
Joelinton will be expected to lead the line over the likes of Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle.
