Aston Villa will lock horns with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Friday night, hoping to return to their winning ways in the Premier League. The Villans will be heading into the contest on the back of a 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, whereas the hosts recorded a similar goalless draw vs West Brom on Sunday.
Dean Smith will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with a few tweaks from the last game as Jack Grealish looks likely to make his return against the Magpies.
4-3-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will continue to operate in between the sticks for the upcoming away encounter. The ex-Arsenal shot-stopper made some good saves to secure a clean sheet against Wolves last Sunday, and he’ll be hoping to repeat more of the same this time.
Ezri Konsa will form the centre-half partnership with Tyrone Mings at the heart of Villans’ backline.
Matt Targett is a guaranteed starter at the left-back position, whereas Ahmed Elmohamady will fill in on the other flank as the right-back. Matty Cash, who picked up a hamstring injury against Brighton on 14th February, is still a couple of weeks away from returning.
“Matty Cash is back striking balls now, so I expect him to be back in training pretty soon.” – Smith revealed.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more defensive role. The Brazil international put up a strong performance against the Wolves as he shielded the backline effectively throughout the ninety minutes.
Ross Barkley will slot into the attacking midfield role. The Englishman has recorded four assists and one goal in 17 appearances for Dean Smith’s side this season after a hamstring injury setback earlier this year; however, he’ll be looking to add to the tally on Friday.
Attack
Jack Grealish and Bertrand Traore are expected to take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing respectively, as the former looks likely to make his return against Newcastle United this week.
Ollie Watkins will lead the line for the visitors against Steve Bruce’s men. The ex-championship striker will be hoping to find the back of the net when he faces off against the Newcastle defence that has kept just one clean sheet in their last six Premier League matches.
