Newcastle United expected starting XI versus Aston Villa - with two key changes and a debut
You have to back to 2018 for the last time Newcastle United won three consecutive Premier League games.
And Eddie Howe’s side could end that run this afternoon, with Aston Villa the visitors to St James’ Park.
Following back-to-back wins against Leeds United and Aston Villa, Howe is reluctant to chop and change his starting XI.
However, he already has one enforced change to make at left-back with Matt Targett ineligible to face his parent club.
Meanwhile, there is fear Kieran Trippier could miss out, with a late call over the England right-back’s fitness expected.
Supporters are also eager to see January signing Bruno Guimaraes from the start after he settled for just a cameo appearance on his debut in midweek.
Howe has plenty of tough selection calls to make – and here’s the starting XI we’re predicting him to go with:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Rumours that Dubravka was offered to Manchester United in exchange for Dean Henderson on deadline day were rubbished by Eddie Howe. Photo: Alex Livesey
2. RB: Javier Manquillo
The first of two changes. A late call will be made on Kieran Trippier, who has a slight calf issue, so we’re urging on the side of caution. Photo: Stu Forster
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar is a player Eddie Howe admired before arriving at Newcastle, hence why he’s missed just one Premier League game since his arrival in November. Photo: Stu Forster
4. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles has shown signs of big improvement during back-to-back wins against Leeds and Everton, which hopefully suggests he is back to his best. Photo: Alex Livesey