Newcastle United take on Aston Villa this weekend in what is expected to be a huge clash for the futures of both clubs.
Multiple pundits have predicted that, should Newcastle win, the Magpies should kick on from what would be their third successive victory and begin putting distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
One former player, Don Hutchison, has even gone as far to say that a win for the Magpies would secure relegation for Villa (as stated in The Chronicle).
Don said: “Win against Aston Villa and I think Remi Garde’s side are down.
“I know it’s only December and there’s still a January transfer window and plenty of football to be played – but with six points and no idea Villa would be hit with a knockout blow by a heavy defeat at Newcastle.”
On the other hand, many are predicting very extreme scenarios for Newcastle should they suffer their ninth defeat of the season this Saturday. A defeat this weekend would put Steve McClaren’s side right back in the mix of the relegation battle.
Ahead of this important clash at St James’ Park, a number of the frequent contributors to ReadNewcastle have pieced together the line-ups they would like to see deployed on Saturday:
