Aston Villa Newcastle Onana
Amadou Onana could feature for Aston Villa against Newcastle United (credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Tue 24 December 2024 9:10, UK
Unai Emery could make two changes to his Aston Villa starting XI ahead of the trip to face Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Amadou Onana could drop to the bench despite a positive performance against Manchester City with a view to building up his fitness after a long-term injury.
Lucas Digne could also face the axe for the Villans for the trip to St James’ Park on 26 December after a shaky performance at times against Pep Guardiola’s side.
This duo dropping out of the starting line-up could leave room for Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen to come in as Emery looks to move up and into a top-four spot.
Amadou Onana may be rested for Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Emi Martinez made five saves against City and looks set to keep his place in goal, despite missing out on a clean sheet once again [FotMob].
Ahead of him, Maatsen could come in after Digne completed just 33 per cent of crosses against City. Alongside the Dutchman, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash could be in line to start again.
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Moving into the midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans can be hopeful of maintaining their spot in the side after the latter created one chance with a superb pass against the Citizens.
Barkley could join this pair in the middle of the park with Onana potentially dropping to the bench as he builds up his match fitness. The Belgium international won just 33 per cent of tackles at Villa Park and could be utilised as an impact substitute on Boxing Day.
Aston Villa v Newcastle United predicted XI
Aston Villa v Newcastle United predicted XI
Out wide, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers can be confident that they will remain in the starting XI. The ex-City man grabbed a goal and an assist against his former side while also maintaining an 83 per cent pass success rate.
Jhon Duran could keep Ollie Watkins out of the side once again for the trip to St James’. The 21-year-old scored and kept 100 per cent of his shots on target in B6. Another excellent showing for the Colombian means he deserves his chance to start.
In other Aston Villa news, Michael Owen has been left sick to his stomach by what fans did.
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