Newcastle United head into the Championships ninth round of fixtures following a two nil home defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Magpies, who had won five straight games before the upset, reversed the scoreline in the midweek EFL Cup fixture.
Now comes a real test though. Villa have struggled since Roberto Di Matteo arrived, stuttering inconsistent performances and results. Nevertheless, a heavily changed and invested playing staff could yet gel and mount a solid promotion push.
Newcastle United’s last away fixture ended six – nil to the Mags, with QPR being put to the sword in a classy display.
Vurnon Anita will miss out due to his late dismissal against Wolves, with an appeal lodged but subsequently denied by the powers that be.
Will Rafa change the side that lost to Wolves? A below par display throughout the side saw boo’s at full time.
Here’s our predicted XI for the game at Villa Park.
Matz Sels
Seem’s to be building some confidence, however Karl Darlow is building more and more pressure for the number one spot.
DeAndre Yedlin
Yedin will start the game due to Anita’s suspension, he impressed in midweek though and rightly deserves his spot.
Jamaal Lascelles
Captain Lascelles had a rocky start to the season but is growing into his role. His performance against Wolves, like the rest of the side, was below par. Hopefully he can bounce back.
Chancel Mbemba
Mbemba is becoming more and more pivotal in the team and his adventurous side offers an attacking outlet from the back.
Paul Dummett
Dummett somehow starts week in week out. This probably won’t change.
Isaac Hayden
Hayden has impressed since his move from The Emirates, a strong yet clever midfielder. He never shirks a fifty-fifty and the crowd love that!
Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey has the potential to run the game, he has to start. He struggled against Wolves as he filled in for Paul Dummett who was everywhere but in position.
Matt Richie
One hundred percent effort and commitment, with large helpings of talent. Richie won Newcastle’s player of the month for August and is almost undroppable.
Mo Diame
Vital experience and know-how in this division makes Diame a key player for Newcastle United.
Yoan Gouffran
A peripheral figure for over a season, Gouffran has burst back onto the scene with an alarming presence. Two absolute beauties in his last two starts have caught the crowd’s attention.
Newcastle haven’t lost a game that Gouffran has started this season.
Dwight Gayle
Gayle is a natural poacher and will feed on scraps if need be. He’s had an impressive start to life in Tyneside. His mobility may be the key against Villa.