Home » Teams » Newcastle United » [Image] Predicted 4-1-4-1 Newcastle XI to face Aston Villa – can the Magpies make it 3 in a row?

[Image] Predicted 4-1-4-1 Newcastle XI to face Aston Villa – can the Magpies make it 3 in a row?

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United prediction: Newcastle United line-up

Newcastle United climbed up to 13th place, four points above Aston Villa before the international break. They won 3-2 at West Ham and followed it with a 2-1 victory at home over Bournemouth.

After a slow start to the season, the Magpies have regrouped and have lost just once in their last 4 Premier League outings.

Newcastle’s forwards have lacked goals this season. Seven of Newcastle’s last nine goals have come from defenders and the remaining two from their midfielders. Joelinton, Saint-Maximin, and Almiron have just 1 goal between them and this should be a concern for Steve Bruce.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce discussing with Jonjo Shelvey and Jetro Willems against West Ham. (Getty Images)
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce discussing with Jonjo Shelvey and Jetro Willems against West Ham. (Getty Images)

On the other hand, Aston Villa are sitting just above the relegation zone and a loss against the in-form Magpies would increase their problems furthermore. At the same time, Newcastle would be looking to build on their form and finish in the top half of the table.

Team News

Newcastle have a long list of injuries, with their captain Jamaal Lascelles being the latest to be sidelined with a knee injury. Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune are doubtful for the game, with the former also having an issue with his knee.

Meanwhile, Sean Longstaff has been suspended after he received his marching orders against Wolves last month. Matt Ritchie is not available either.

Probable Newcastle United XI

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Martin Dubravka (GK)

The Slovakian is the first-choice in goal for Steve Bruce and he is expected to start for the Magpies despite performing for the national team without any rest.

Martin Dubravka
Martin Dubravka (Getty Images)

DeAndre Yedlin (RB)

Yedlin has started in the previous 3 games and is set to claim his spot. He was instrumental in their comeback win against Bournemouth and scored the equalizer for Newcastle.

Federico Fernandez (CB)

The 30-year-old has featured in 6 games so far. He has been mostly deployed in a 3-man defence by the manager and has also scored and assisted once. He would certainly retain his spot.

Ciaran Clark (CB)

The Irishman has got his chances after the injuries to Schar and Lejeune and has made a decent partnership with Fernandez and their captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Jetro Willems (LB)

The left-back has been impressive so far and has also contributed decently in the team’s attack. He played a crucial part in Newcastle’s win over the Red Devils last month.

Jetro Willems
Jetro Willems (Getty Images)

Matthew Longstaff (CDM)

Steve Bruce has deployed 3 centre-backs in a 5-4-1 formation for the most part of the season but has no other option left in defence due to injuries. With a change in formation, Matthew Longstaff could be used as a defensive midfielder to provide cover for their defence.

Jonjo Shelvey (LCM)

The Englishman is their joint-top scorer this season and in Sean Longstaff’s absence, he would be their playmaker.

Isaac Hayden (RCM)

The 24-year-old has been given enough opportunities by the manager and he has performed well. He will retain his spot in the squad while they take on Aston Villa.

Allan Saint-Maximin (LW)

Since his arrival from OGC Nice, the winger has been in exceptional form and has the ability to leave defenders behind. He displayed his potential against Manchester United previously, where his runs made defenders fall out of position. He is an undoubted starter.

Allan Saint-Maximin
Allan Saint-Maximin (Image credits: Google)

Miguel Almiron (RW)

Almiron has not made much of a difference to the team but is expected to raise his game. Should start on Monday night.

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Joelinton (ST)

The Brazilian would surely get the nod ahead of other strikers and would be hoping to end his goalscoring drought.

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