Alysson could make his full debut as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup.placeholder image
Alysson could make his full debut as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup. | Getty Images
Predicting Unai Emery’s Aston Villa lineup to take on Newcastle United at home in the FA Cup.
Aston Villa turn their attention away from the Premier League as they host Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round this Saturday.
The Villans, third in the Premier League and into the latter stages of the Europa League, are competing on all fronts this season. Unai Emery is determined to win a trophy and that certainly extends to this competition, where Villa stand a good chance if they can beat this weekend’s opponents.
It was only three weeks ago when Villa last played Newcastle, and they managed to beat them on the Magpies’ home turf. You can argue it’s a case of same again please, but Newcastle will of course put up a good fight and are an excellent team in their own right, albeit a little out of form.
Emery will want to name a strong lineup this weekend, even though the FA Cup is way behind the Premier League in the manager’s list of priorities. Villa can benefit from the fact that they don’t have to take part in a Europa League play-off match next week, giving Emery a bit more flexibility to keep naming strong XIs.
Some rotation is a given as Villa have had a busy week, but it might not be too drastic. There could be some opportunities for fringe players to impress, too, while new signings Tammy Abraham and Alysson may have a chance to lift the Villa Park crowd.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle
Without further ado, here’s how we think Emery’s side will shape up against the Magpies.
GK - Marco Bizot: Backup to Emi Martinez in the league, Bizot will be keen to start in the cups. Emery used to give the nod to Robin Olsen in this competition, so there’s no reason why he wouldn’t do the same for Bizot.
RB - Victor Lindelof: Signed for this very purpose of rotating in when required, Lindelof could be in line for a rare start at right-back. There’s no point risking Matty Cash, who is recovering from a minor knee injury.
CB - Ezri Konsa: In an ideal world, Villa would have been dealt an easier draw and Konsa could have been rested, but the England international is most likely to start against this calibre of opposition.
CB - Tyrone Mings: Despite playing back-to-back games against Bournemouth and Brighton, Mings will likely get the nod again. Villa could do with Mings’ height and physicality against a strong Newcastle side.
LB - Ian Maatsen: Benefiting from Lucas Digne’s poor form, Maatsen needs to step in and prove Emery right for making him the priority choice at left-back. This is another good opportunity to do that.
CDM - Lamare Bogarde: Following a strong showing against Brighton, Bogarde will probably start again, just maybe in defensive midfield as Douglas Luiz is cup-tied.
CDM - Ross Barkley: We could see a first start this season for Barkley, who looked sharp off the bench midweek. Amadou Onana, meanwhile, needs to have his minutes managed.
CAM - Morgan Rogers: As much as Rogers has played a lot of football this season, he’s got the stamina to do so. Rogers has so often been the difference-maker in matches, and Emery will want more of the same.
RW - Leon Bailey: After an improved cameo display and an assist for the winning goal against Brighton, Bailey could rotate in for Jadon Sancho on the right flank. Confidence breeds confidence and Bailey needs a boost.
LW - Alysson: Emery told Birmingham World on Wednesday that Villa fans will soon see why the club signed Alysson. This might well be the time Emery decides to give the Brazilian his full debut.
ST - Tammy Abraham: Expected to play regularly following his £18 million arrival from Besiktas, Abraham should rotate in for Ollie Watkins. Competition is healthy.
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