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Victories against Leicester City, Brentford and Ipswich Town made it a very good Christmas for Newcastle United fans as they saw their side sit 8th in the Premier League table heading into Christmas Day. The Magpies are also through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and know that a victory on Boxing Day could see them end the day as high as 5th - other results dependent.
However, standing in their way are an Aston Villa side that defeated Manchester City at the weekend in a victory that ensured they would end the day two points above the reigning champions and Eddie Howe’s side. Unai Emery has had a fantastic spell in the Villa Park dugout, but has seen his side defeated twice by Newcastle United in his three meetings with the Magpies.
Famously, Newcastle won this correspondence fixture 5-1 on the opening day of last season with goals from Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson and debut strikes from Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes. Joelinton will return to the squad after missing their win over Ipswich Town at the weekend - but will Howe opt to put the Brazilian back in and change a winning team?
Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name for his side’s clash with Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there.
9. Jacob Murphy
Murphy has been brilliant of late and demands a starting spot. His strike at the weekend was fantastic, topped only by his assist for Isak’s third goal. | Getty Images
10. Alexander Isak
Isak became the first Newcastle United player in over five-and-a-half years to score a hat-trick. London buses and all that? | Getty Images
11. Anthony Gordon
Gordon may not have got on the scoresheet over their last few wins, but his form at left-wing has been integral to Newcastle United securing three wins in a row. | Getty Images
