Newcastle United’s possible starting eleven after transfers for Premier League opener against Aston Villa

There is just two weeks to go until Newcastle United get their 2023/24 Premier League season underway with a home game against Aston Villa.

Both sides enjoyed productive campaigns last time out and will combine their attempts to progress in domestic competitions with the added excitement of competing in Europe for the first time in a decade. For the Magpies, that means a return to the Champions League after they surpassed all expectations and secured a top four finish last season.

But for now, the main focus is on finalising their preparations for the St James Park clash with Unai Emery’s side and Magpies boss Eddie Howe is already facing some major calls for the game in what will set the tone for an action-packed campaign on Tyneside.

Here is how NewcastleWorld believes United will line up on day one of the Premier League season.

GK: Nick Pope

The England keeper proved exactly why he is viewed as Eddie Howe’s number one stopper with a fine display during the second half of the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the early hours of Thursday morning. Pope will see off the challenge of the likes of Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius to seems a certain starter for the game against Villa.

RB: Kieran Trippier

Certain starter is a tag that can be placed upon the head of Kieran Trippier too, with the England right-back now viewed as United’s on-field captain as Jamaal Lascelles continues to play backup to Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.

LB: Dan Burn

Howe has plenty of options at left-back and could even add to them before the start of the season after he was linked with a number of defenders during the summer. As it stands, it seems likely Dan Burn will get the nod - but that could change if a new left-back is secured.

CB: Fabian Schar

There were some injury concerns over the Swiss international after he limped out of the draw against Chelsea. With concerns eased by Howe in the aftermath of the game, it seems likely Schar will renew his impressive partnership with Sven Botman for the Villa game.

CB: Sven Botman

The Dutch centre-back enjoyed a remarkable first season on Tyneside as he settled into life in the Premier League with ease and played a pivotal role in helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.

CM: Sandro Tonali

As it stands, the Italy international is United’s marquee summer addition and he has already shown flashes of his unquestionable ability during pre-season. Patience is still required as Tonali adapts to life in the Premier League but he will be a key player for Howe moving forwards.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazil international will be integral in Howe’s plans once again this season after proving himself as one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League. Quite simply, when Bruno is on form, Newcastle are on form.

CM: Joelinton

There is plenty of competition for the third spot in Howe’s midfield, with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley doing themselves no harm whatsoever with impressive performances in pre-season. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff will also hope to continue their comebacks from injury and put themselves in with a chance of being part of the side for the Villa game. But we think Joelinton’s experience will see him get the nod on day one of the season.

RW: Antony Gordon

Despite the imminent exit of Allan Saint-Maximin, Eddie Howe possesses a whole host of impressive options on both wings and there could be some big calls to be made over the coming weeks. Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy will be viewed as frontrunners for the right-hand side but we wonder if Anthony Gordon’s form could see him get the nod after a successful summer with England Under-21s.

LW: Harvey Barnes

Another summer addition, Barnes will provide plenty of attacking threat and his link-up play will form a key component of United’s efforts in the final third this season. Another that will face several challengers for a place in Howe’s starting lineup - but you wouldn’t rule against the former Leicester City man making a competitive home debut against Villa.

ST: Callum Wilson

Isak or Wilson? Could both play? This will form the basis of an almost weekly discussion for Howe and his coaching staff throughout what will be a hectic season. Both have found the net in pre-season but we have edged towards Wilson for day one of the campaign.