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Newcastle United’s first test of the 2023/24 Premier League season comes at home to one of their main rivals for a European spot. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa ended the campaign in stunning form and have recruited well this summer - reading to a very intriguing opening day matchup.
But the Magpies have also added to their squad during the summer transfer window and will have home advantage when the Villains come to St James’ Park. With just a couple of injuries to worry about, Eddie Howe has a pretty full and strong squad to select from this weekend.
Here, we take a look at the starting XI Howe could name for the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday:
5. LB: Dan Burn
Despite being signed as a centre-back, Burn shone at full-back last season and will likely feature there again this campaign if the club don’t sign a left-back between now and the closure of the summer window. | Getty Images
6. CM: Sean Longstaff
Although Longstaff didn’t feature in the USA, he did manage 75 minutes against Villareal on Sunday. Sandro Tonali will be breathing down his neck but Longstaff may be given the nod this weekend if Howe decides to blood his new signing slowly to Premier League football. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes is a key component of the team and will be needed to provide the creativity against Villa. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
Joelinton’s physicality will be very important against a tough Villa midfield that will be well drilled under Unai Emery. | Getty Images