The THREE changes Eddie Howe could make to his Newcastle United starting XI versus Aston Villa

Newcastle United play their second game in five days when they host Aston Villa at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies face Steven Gerrard’s men following back-to-back to wins against Leeds United and Everton.

United know a win against Villa will further increase their Premier League survival hopes after exiting the relegation zone on Tuesday.

Will Eddie Howe stick with his starting XI that has largely remained unchanged in recent games or twist?

Here are THREE potential selection decisions facing the 44-year-old head coach:

How’s Kieran Trippier feeling?

The question that is top of every Newcastle United fan’s list.

Trippier limped off in stoppage time on Tuesday night with a “slight calf injury” after a truly unforgettable performance at St James’ Park.

His stunning free-kick in the 80th-minute merely capped off a flawless display from the England international, who was serenaded by the home crowd.

Indeed, it was one of the most influential performances from an individual player that Newcastle fans have seen in a long time.

And that’s made even more impressive as you don’t tend to associate right-backs with that type of influence.

But Trippier’s leadership on and off the pitch, as well as his elite quality, would be a devastating blow for United if he is to spend a spell on the sidelines.

It’d also raise the question, who comes in at right-back? Javier Manquillo seems the obvious choice but hopefully, Trippier is OK.

Who replaces Matt Targett at left-back?

Targett was excellent on his debut against Everton, a big part as to why Allan Saint-Maximin was able to strut his magic.

But for the visit of his parent club on Sunday, Targett is ineligible, a blow for Howe who will have a definite decision to make at left-back.

Does Howe go with Manquillo or Dan Burn? One of those two appear to be the only option with Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie still thought to be unavailable.

Manquillo filled in superbly at Leeds and won the free-kick that Jonjo Shelvey dispatched for the winner.

Meanwhile, Burn signed as a central defender, is no stranger to playing at left-back. In fact, that’s where he has played a lot of his career.

The £13million signing from Brighton and Hove Albion will be desperate to make his debut for his boyhood club after he was an unused substitute in midweek.

Is it time to start Bruno Guimaraes?

Is it time to start Bruno?

Newcastle fans were more than eager to see the Brazilian start against Everton, and those calls are unlikely to go away ahead of Villa, despite winning without him in the line-up.

The club’s £33.5million January signing from Lyon enjoyed a cameo appearance from the bench versus the Toffees and entertained supporters with a cheeky backheel.

But the upturn in form of Joe Willock, and Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey heavily favoured by Howe, makes it a tough decision for the head coach.

Howe also said after Everton he is reluctant to change a winning team - believing it is a “dangerous” thing to do.

He explained: “We won our last game 1-0 and the big thing for me is I have to reward players that play well.

“In my opinion to change the team and leaving players that don’t deserve to be left out is a dangerous thing to do.

“Also, new players coming in have to earn their place. I was really pleased with the performance at Leeds.

“I understand everyone is excited to see the new signings and I’m the same, I’m no different, I want to give them their opportunity but I’ve always got to do what’s right for the team.”

Howe also believes Guimaraes will benefit from an adjustment period having only landed on Tyneside less than a week ago.

So to answer the question, the majority of supporters say yes, absolutely, whereas Howe remains cautious for the reasons above.