---
title: "Newcastle v Aston Villa: Jaissle Needs a Response, and a Fitness Gamble Might Provide It"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2026/10/17/newcastle-vs-aston-villa-jaissle-fitness-gamble-team-news-preview/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Articles"
published: "2026-10-17T11:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-17T11:30:00Z"
---

# Newcastle v Aston Villa: Jaissle Needs a Response, and a Fitness Gamble Might Provide It

Matthias Jaissle has an opportunity to respond to the criticism he has received this season tonight. Newcastle United face Aston Villa at St James’ Park (5.30pm). Decisions on the team will be influenced by the number of players returning from injuries.

Newcastle, currently lying 11th with eight points from six games, has suffered consecutive 4-1 away defeats. The first at Leeds and then at Coventry. The result at Coventry was especially disappointing. Especially considering that Newcastle had more than two-thirds of the possession and registered 19 shots on goal.

However, Coventry scored four times, with six of their shots on target, including a penalty in the sixth minute after Lukas Horincek fouled Cherif Sidiki. Sven Botman scored a late consolation goal for Newcastle.

Jaissle apologised to the travelling fans and stated that the results inside the box dictated the outcome of the game. His team was not at its best. Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports said Newcastle had been “beaten up” twice on the road.

## **Trusting the returnees**

Joelinton, Dan Burn, Amar Dedic and William Osula all returned from the substitutes’ bench in Coventry. Jones said that their minutes should be “managed” and that the medical staff’s recommendations are guiding decisions.

Burn is unlikely to start after just returning to training following a few days’ layoff. Joelinton’s position on the sidelines is much less clear, and Jones has suggested he could return to the starting XI.

Bazoumana Toure, who was forced off the pitch in the closing stages of the Coventry game with an ankle injury, is “much better” and is expected to return to the squad soon. Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey are still out, with Ramsey expected to return to training in a couple of days.

Jones was also asked about his preferred system. He has played in a 4-2-3-1 since his arrival at Al-Ahli, but the attacking midfield position has been a topic of debate this season. Villa’s attacking midfielder trio presents a particular conundrum for Jones.

## **A wounded host meets a buoyant visitor**

Villa arrive in contrasting form. They sit 16th, still waiting for a home league win. On Wednesday they thrashed Fenerbahce 6-0 in the Champions League, the biggest European win in the club’s history. Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley both scored twice. Johan Manzambi marked his 21st birthday and Champions League debut with the opener. Villa are unbeaten in four games in all competitions.

Unai Emery’s priority is consistency, having talked about improvements being needed in the league. Villa are reportedly missing left-backs Matteo Ruggeri and Ian Maatsen, which could give Newcastle’s wide players a chance to attack.

Jaissle acknowledges Villa will be lifted by midweek, but he believes the home crowd can help turn the tide. Newcastle have yet to keep a clean sheet at home this season, a record he will want to improve.