Unai Emery has named his Aston Villa starting XI to take on Newcastle United this afternoon
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: Getty Images)
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has selected his starting XI to take on Newcastle United at St. James' Park in the Premier League.
He has made five changes from the side that beat Fenerbahce 1-0 in Istanbul on Thursday night.
Emi Martinez returns in goal after overcoming injury and will play behind a defence made up of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen.
Amadou Onana partners Youri Tielemans in the double pivot, while Jadon Sancho, Emi buendia and Morgan Rogers support striker Ollie Watkins.
Harvey Elliott and Leon Bailey are both named on the Villa bench.
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last 17 home league games against Villa, winning the last four by an aggregate score of 13-1.
The Magpies are also unbeaten in their last eight home Premier League matches and have started 2026 with consecutive victories at St James’ Park, beating Crystal Palace and Leeds.
Emery's side, meanwhile, have won 18 points on the road in the Premier League this season, with only Arsenal winning more matches away from home (21).
Villa's 1.64 points per game on the road in 2025–26 is their best in any campaign since 2009–10 (1.68).
Villa starting XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, Sancho, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins.
Subs: Bizot, Lindelof, Digne, Mings, Bogarde, Hemmings, Bailey, Elliott, Guessand.
Newcastle starting XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Miley, Joelinton, Tonali, Barnes, Gordon, Wissa.
Subs: Ramsdale, Osula, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, Burn, A. Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar
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