Newcastle United are aiming to make it four wins in a row, as they face Aston Villa at St James’ Park.
The Magpies are well and truly back, as Eddie Howe’s side followed up wins over Leicester City and Brentford by battering Ipswich Town.
Newcastle United look like a good side again, as they prepare to entertain Aston Villa at St James’ Park for a festive Premier League fixture. They are taking on a European rival, with Unai Emery’s side two points and two places ahead of Newcastle going into the game.
But history is on the Magpies’ side, with Newcastle winning four of their last five games against Aston Villa.
With three of those wins coming at home, Newcastle should be full of confidence, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Toon starting XI to take on Aston Villa.
No change in defence for Newcastle
Dan Burn of Newcastle celebrates a goal which was ruled out for offside by VAR during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Newcastl...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
After keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League, Eddie Howe is unlikely to change his back four against Aston Villa.
The Magpies’ defence looks settled, with Kieran Trippier unable to force his way back into the starting XI.
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Sven Botman is nearing a return, but will not be deemed fit enough to start games for Newcastle until the middle of January.
Elsewhere, Emil Krafth is back running after his operation, but is yet to return to full contact training.
Eddie Howe recalls Joelinton against Aston Villa
After missing Newcastle’s win over Ipswich through suspension, Joelinton is available for the Boxing Day game at St James’ Park.
After Joelinton suffered a facial injury against Brentford, Eddie Howe is hoping the Brazilian will be fit to feature against Aston Villa.
“We will have a look at him today,” Howe said.
“He had various facial injuries after the last home game against Brentford in which he came off. A couple of stitches in and around his ear so we will see how he is today.”
With that in mind, we predict that Howe will recall Joelinton to the starting XI in place of Joe Willock.
The £25million man played well against Ipswich, but Newcastle need Joelinton’s physicality against a very strong Aston Villa side.
Red hot Alexander Isak leads the line
There will be no changes in attack, with Newcastle’s front three flying at the moment.
The underrated Jacob Murphy continues to defy belief with his performances, while Alexander Isak is enjoying a hot streak in front of goal.
The 25-year-old has scored 10 goals in his last 11 games, reaching double figures for the 2024/25 season with his hat-trick against Ipswich.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Isak will hope to add to his tally on Thursday, having scored two goals in this fixture last season.
Predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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