Newcastle United’s starting XI v Aston Villa if the transfer rumours are true

Excitement is building as Newcastle United’s players prepare to return to training ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons in the club’s recent history.

Fresh from their successful push for a Champions League place, Eddie Howe’s side will look to build on the momentum gained throughout an eventful campaign and push for success at home and in Europe. Progress has already been made in the transfer market with the addition of Odense winger Yankuba Minteh and the imminent arrival of AC Milan star Sandro Tonali.

But who could join the Italy midfielder and form part of Howe’s starting eleven when his side face Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season?

GK: Nick Pope

The undoubted number one at St James Park after a fine first season on Tyneside. The question for Pope may well be who will provide his main competition for a place in Eddie Howe’s side as question marks remain over a number of his fellow goalkeepers.

RB: Kieran Trippier

Trippier will captain the Magpies once again this season and he will continue to be the integral figure he has become since he joined the club in January 2022.

CB: Fabian Schar

There have been several right-sided centre-backs that have been linked with a move to St James Park this summer but it seems likely Schar will get an opportunity to continue his impressive partnership with Sven Botman when the new season gets underway.

CB: Sven Botman

Botman will continue to be an important figure in Eddie Howe’s side after a fine first season on Tyneside where he became a key figure in the most disciplined defence in the Premier League.

LB: Kieran Tierney

United’s hopes of landing the Arsenal and Scotland defender remain alive and he remains on the wanted list despite suggestions he will remain at the Emirates Stadium.

CM: Sandro Tonali

The Italy international midfielder will officially become a Magpie over the coming days when he completes a big money move from Serie A giants AC Milan. Tonali will become one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history and he will form a key part of United’s side at home and in the Champions League.

CM: Joe Willock

The former Arsenal man seemed to be have firmly hit his stride during the second half of last season before an injury curtailed his campaign a week early. More will be expected of Willock during the upcoming season as he fights for a place in a competitive midfield.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

Will he be given a different role or will he dovetail with Tonali as United’s pivot? Whatever happens, Bruno will be a highly important figure for the Magpies as they look to build on the progress made during his time at the club.

RW: Yannick Carrasco

United were heavily linked with a move for the Belgian international in recent days, with reports in Spain suggesting an intermediary had contacted the Magpies alerting them to Carrasco being ‘unsettled’ with the La Liga club. It is not the first time United have been linked with the winger in recent months.

LW: Joelinton

There are plenty of options on the left-hand side of United’s front three and both Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin will both stake their claims in pre-season. But Joelinton’s flexibility and his ability to dovetail with Willock could well work in his favour.

ST: Alexander Isak

Wilson or Isak? Or will a third forward be added to the Magpies squad and come into contention. Isak gets the nod for us as the Sweden international begins his first full season at St James Park looking to show his undoubted quality in the Premier League and Champions League.