Newcastle United’s starting XI against Aston Villa and Man City if transfer rumours are true

Newcastle United will begin their Premier League campaign for the 2023/24 season with a home fixture against Aston Villa. Unai Emery will bring his Villains side to St James' Park for the 17:30 kick-off on Saturday, August 12 with the fixture set for broadcasting in the UK.

It looks a tasty opening weekend meeting with both sides surprise packages in the Premier League last season and preparing for campaigns in the Champions League and the Europa Conference League.

It doesn't get any easier for the Magpies after that with a trip to champions Manchester City in Gameweek 2 and then the visit of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to Newcastle the week after.

The club's first meeting with a newly-promoted side comes against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in Gameweek 6. The season ends in London for Newcastle United fans with a trip to Brentford on the final day, where buses of supporters will no doubt visit London Magpies in Hanwell Town before kick-off.

As excitement for the upcoming season builds, NewcastleWorld has a look at what the club's starting XI could look like should rumours be true.

GK - Nick Pope

A brilliant debut season at St James' Park for Nick Pope has made him a fan favourite. He's regarded as one of the best in the league and will continue in his role.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Dan Burn has performed well at left-back but reports linking Newcastle with a move for wantaway Arsenal star Kieran Tierney look to have weight to them.

CB - Sven Botman

Started every one of Newcastle's Premier League fixtures from October onwards last season, a key cog in the Eddie Howe machine.

CB - Fabian Schar

Former a strong partnership with Botman which will continue next season. Only missed one Premier League match from September onwards which was due to a concussion.

RB - Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier personifies the Eddie Howe revolution going on at Newcastle United. Experienced, reliable at the back and clinical from set pieces.

CM - Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazilian flare in midfield, Bruno Guimaraes has the potential to become a world-beater. Is getting better and better in a Newcastle shirt and adds a real class to the side.

CM - Nico Barella

Inter star Nico Barella has a Champions League pedigree and is being heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United. If he does come, Howe will no doubt plan on him being a constant in the starting XI.

CM - Joe Willock

Joe Willock picked up some crucial goals and assists for Newcastle last term. His position could be the one most hotly contested with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy available to fill in depending on the system.

RW - James Maddison

It seems only a matter of time before it is announced that Newcastle have signed James Maddison from Leicester City. A familiar face for fans thanks to his performances at Leicester and on the international stage.

LW - Joelinton

Should Nico Barella and James Maddison sign for Newcastle, Eddie Howe may deploy Joelinton in a more advanced position than last season.

ST - Alexander Isak

The £60 million man will have another season of competition with Callum Wilson for the main striker role. A busier fixture schedule with Champions League matches should see both enjoying plenty of game time.