Newcastle United will start the new Premier League season away to Aston Villa without Alexander Isak.
Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle United, which means that Eddie Howe will be without his superstar striker for the opening game of the season.
For the second time in three years, Newcastle face Aston Villa on the opening day. It is a tough start for the Magpies, who have multiple new faces who could make their Toon debuts at Villa Park on Saturday.
Howe has some big decisions to make, and this is Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United starting XI to face Aston Villa.
Malick Thiaw is unveiled as a Newcastle United player.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw on the bench for Newcastle United
Newcastle United have signed Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and he will hope to make his Toon debut. The same goes for Aaron Ramsdale, who has joined the club on loan from Southampton.
However, both will likely be among the substitutes.
That is because Nick Pope is expected to start for Newcastle, while Howe will almost certainly go with veterans Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at centre-back.
The big decision comes at left-back. Lewis Hall will hope to play a competitive game for the first time since February, but Geordie Boot Boys are tipping Tino Livramento to start on the left of defence with Kieran Trippier on the right.
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Anthony Elanga makes his Newcastle United debut
The only new signing who should start at Villa Park is Anthony Elanga.
He is one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever at £55million, and has looked bright during pre-season. The Swedish speedster should start on the right of attack, resulting in Jacob Murphy starting on the bench.
Having spent the entirety of pre-season working with Howe, Elanga feels poised to enjoy a fast start to his Newcastle United career.
Howe will also hope to hand Jacob Ramsey his debut, but only if they can get a deal done in time. Newcastle are trying to sign Ramsey from Aston Villa for £40million, and it would be quite the turn of events if he makes his Toon debut against the club that sold him.
Ramsey can make his Newcastle debut if he is signed and registered before 12pm on Friday. If that does happen, he could make the bench.
Alexander Isak replaced by Anthony Gordon
With Isak sat at home, Newcastle United will need someone else to lead the line against Aston Villa. Enter Anthony Gordon.
The Scouser is expected to start up front on Saturday, despite Will Osula featuring so heavily in pre-season. The 22-year-old has potential, but was unable to prove he is ready to start in the Premier League.
Newcastle are hoping to sign Yoane Wissa very soon, but not so soon that he can feature against Aston Villa.
Predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.