Unai Emery makes decisions for Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen as Aston Villa host Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Aston Villa make their long-awaited return to Premier League action this Saturday lunchtime as they play host to Newcastle United to get the new season underway.
Back at Villa Park to kick off 2025/26, Unai Emery’s men have the chance to make a statement as they take on a side likely to be competing for similar positions in the league standings. Newcastle finished fifth last campaign, ahead of Villa on goal difference alone, to snatch Champions League football and demote the Villans to the Europa League.
Revenge could be on the cards for Villa, who take on Newcastle at a good time. The Magpies are currently at the centre of a rift with star striker Alexander Isak who is unavailable for selection while he tries to force a transfer to Premier League champions Liverpool. With Newcastle currently unsettled by that situation, Villa could look to take advantage.
Emery has several selection dilemmas to consider as competition for places is fierce, while star attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers has been an injury doubt. Villa’s number 27 has returned to training this week after rolling his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Roma, so he will face a late fitness test to determine his availability.
As Rogers’ situation is still slightly uncertain, it’s difficult to call who will start in the midfield roles. Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans seem locked in to the deep-lying double pivot but the likes of Rogers, John McGinn, Amadou Onana, Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand are all fighting for the remaining spots.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle
With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name against the Magpies.
GK - Marco Bizot: Villa’s new signing will make his competitive debut between the sticks as Emiliano Martinez is suspended due to his red card away at Manchester United carrying over to this season.
RB - Matty Cash: Locked in and focused, Cash is ahead of Andres Garcia in the pecking order as it stands. The Poland international may have more competition if Villa decide to sign a new right-sided defender, but it’s his place for now.
CB - Ezri Konsa: One of the first names on the team sheet, Konsa was brilliant throughout 2024/25. The England international will be eager to continue his fine form this term to ensure he gets in the World Cup squad.
CB - Pau Torres: It’s a tough call between Pau and Tyrone Mings, but we think the Spaniard will start on this occasion. Villa could do with Pau’s incisive passing out from the back to beat Newcastle’s high press.
LB - Lucas Digne: Fresh off signing a new contract, Digne is likely to be first choice ahead of Ian Maatsen, but only marginally. There will be a lot of chopping and changing between the two left-backs this campaign.
CM - Boubacar Kamara: Pivotal to Villa for his strength and command at the base of midfield, Kamara can expect to stay in the lineup. Emery is delighted that Kamara has signed a new long-term contract.
CM - Youri Tielemans: Named Villa’s best player last season, Tielemans is undroppable. Talks are expected to be held over a new deal as Villa want to cement the Belgian’s status as one of the club’s most valuable assets.
RM - Donyell Malen: Following an impressive pre-season, Malen could be in line to start Villa’s opener. Leon Bailey is training alone as talks continue over a transfer to Roma and Guessand needs time to settle in.
CAM - Morgan Rogers: Despite rolling his ankle against Roma a week or so ago, Rogers should be fine to start as he’s been back in training this week. Not many players in world football can charge forward on the ball as well as Rogers does.
ST - Ollie Watkins: Now Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer having nudged ahead of Gabby Agbonlahor, Watkins can be considered a club legend. The striker scored in all five of his pre-season appearances, so he’s in fine form.
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