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Predicting Unai Emery’s Aston Villa lineup against Newcastle United away in the Premier League.
Villa head out on the road to take on fellow Champions League hopefuls Newcastle on Boxing Day.
The Villans head into this clash buoyed with confidence after a stunning 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City last time out. Emery’s midfield overload caused all sorts of problems for Pep Guardiola’s side, earning Villa all three points and soaring them into the top six.
Another win will of course be the target on Thursday but it won’t be easy with Newcastle back in form with a bang. The Magpies were loitering outside the bottom half following four Premier League matches without a win but they’ve since won three on the trot in all competitions, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Emery, knowing all too well how tough Newcastle are to visit having lost 5-1 at St. James’ Park last season, will want to name as strong of a lineup as possible. That’s the case for most league matches but the head coach needs to be a little more selective given the congested nature of the schedule.
Ollie Watkins may have to wait a while longer to return to Villa's lineup as Jhon Duran is showing no sign of slowing down.Ollie Watkins may have to wait a while longer to return to Villa's lineup as Jhon Duran is showing no sign of slowing down.
Ollie Watkins may have to wait a while longer to return to Villa's lineup as Jhon Duran is showing no sign of slowing down. | Getty Images
A decision has to be made in defence with Diego Carlos back fit following a minor contact injury, while Ollie Watkins will be told his fate as Jhon Duran continues a purple patch up top. With those dilemmas considered, here are the 11 Villans we reckon will start this Boxing Day.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle
GK - Emi Martinez
The World Cup winner has admitted himself he’s not in the best form this season but he’ll be more determined than anyone to put that right.
RB - Ezri Konsa
It feels brutal to axe Matty Cash from the XI but Diego Carlos has been in good form and is back available for the trip to St. James’. If Carlos plays, Konsa will go to right-back.
CB - Diego Carlos
The Brazilian has been hot and cold this season but seems to be finally finding his feet, or at least he was until an impact injury forced him to miss the Man City win.
CB - Pau Torres
Important for his build-up play from the back, Pau often thrives against top oppositions. Emery will be hoping for a strong showing once more.
LB - Lucas Digne
The Frenchman remains ahead of Ian Maatsen in the pecking order and will continue to start most games. There will only occasionally be rotation.
RM - John McGinn
The skipper put in a brilliant display last time out, assisting one goal and creating several other chances. McGinn has to play when performing well.
CM - Boubacar Kamara
It’s so good to have Kamara back as he’s vitally important to this Villa team with his break-up play and ability to kick-start counter-attacks with his power.
CM - Amadou Onana
Having two physical powerhouses alongside one another was very beneficial against City and you’d expect it to be again at Newcastle.
LM - Morgan Rogers
Almost just as effective on the left as he is through the centre, Rogers enjoys tucking in and taking on defenders to kick-start attacks.
CAM - Youri Tielemans
The Belgium international was sensational at the weekend as he showed off an outstanding passing range just in behind the striker. Tielemans thrives as the 10.
ST - Jhon Duran
With three goals in three starts, Duran is proving Emery right for starting him. Ollie Watkins’ likeliest fate is remaining on the bench for the time being, as crazy as that sounds.
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