Newcastle United are back in Premier League action today, returning to matters on the pitch after a surprisingly turbulent summer off the field.
Aston Villa await in the 12.30pm kick-off at Villa Park, where Eddie Howe’s Mags will take on Unai Emery’s men two and a half months after we pipped them to a place in the Champions League at the end of May.
But who will start in our 2025/26 opener? Here’s how we see it and why…
**Starting XI (4-3-3):** Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
**Ruled out:** Willock (injury), Isak (on strike).
For me, there are four dilemmas for Eddie Howe heading into this one. Who starts in goal? Which two start at centre-back? Is Lewis Hall ready to start? Who starts on the right wing?
In goal, Ramsdale’s ball-playing qualities could tempt Howe, but he is more likely to stand by sweeper keeper Pope until he gives the boss a reason not to, in my view.
At centre-back, Botman and Thiaw will be our top pairing before too long, but the former has only played in our of our last four pre-season games and the latter has only had a few days training with the group. Because of that, I can see Burn and Schar taking on Watkins, who caused both big problems the last time we met.
For Hall at left-back, it’s a similar story to Botman. I think he’ll be eased back in after five months out, especially when we have Livramento able to fill in down that side, with Trippier down our right.
On the right wing, ‘dropping’ Murphy seems odd after last season’s incredible return, but a new signing boost and Elanga’s blistering pace to exploit Villa’s high line could be key to victory alongside the equally rapid Gordon.