Aaron Danks will be in the dugout for Villa at the weekend with Unai Emery set to take charge on November 1 following Steven Gerrard’s departure from Villa Park. Villa currently sit 15th in the Premier League table and will be hoping to capitalise on last weekend’s 4-0 hammering of Brentford.
Newcastle, on the other hand, sit 4th in the table and could move up to 3rd with a win at the weekend as Eddie Howe’s side look to make it three wins on the spin and back-to-back wins over Saturday’s opponents. The last meeting between the sides came in February and ended in a 1-0 win for the Magpies courtesy of a Kieran Trippier free-kick.
Ahead of this weekend’s game Howe has a number of selection issues to contend with and here, we take a look at the starting side he could select on Saturday:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Newcastle have just three games to go before the break for the Qatar World Cup and Pope will be hoping to continue his stunning form in goal and force himself into Gareth Southgate’s plans. Photo: George Wood
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier hasn’t just been one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers this season, but one of the Premier League’s best defenders full stop. His free-kick against Villa secured all three points in this fixture last season. Photo: Justin Setterfield
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season - Schar can take great credit for the huge role he has played in this. Photo: Julian Finney
4. CB: Sven Botman
The Dutchman has been nothing short of superb in the heart of Newcastle’s defence this season. He’s formed a formidable partnership with Schar and is one of the major reasons for Newcastle’s current good run of form. Photo: George Wood