Villama Preview: Newcastle United v Aston Villa

With the revelation that was the 4-0 Brentford match now in the books and confidence renewed, the upcoming match against Newcastle United, one that would have been a presumed loss, is now very much up for debate. The Geordies have been on fire as of late, sitting an ostentatious fourth in the table and not having lost a match since August. Over their last three, they have drawn at Old Trafford against Manchester United, blanked Everton 1-0 at St. James’ Park, and won 2-1 over Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Players to look out for include, but aren’t limited to defender Kieran Trippier, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and forward Miguel Almiron.

This week shouldn’t see too many changes to the team sheet, barring injury. Last week there was width and fluidity that just hasn’t been there prior and well done to Aaron Danks in handling everything so beautifully. Playing out of the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Brentford, Emi Martinez will start in goal, with Ashley Young playing left-back, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa partnering at center-back, and Matty Cash at right-back. Lucas Digne is back with the team after being out with injury, but Ashley Young has been playing as well or better than anyone and is unlikely to sit. In the midfield, Leander Dendoncker and Douglas Luiz will partner as holding midfielders while Emi Buendia plays further up in the number 10 spot. Flanking Buendia will be Leon Bailey to the left and Ollie Watkins to his right. Danny Ings will start at striker.

: This is a game that I would have pegged as a 3-1 scenario prior to managerial changes, and while the optimism is high for Unai Emery, I’m more than a little excited to see Danks get another crack at it against Newcastle. An exciting 2-2 draw could be on the cards.

Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images