Aston Villa have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market this summer but despite making some fine signings, they started their Premier League campaign with a 2-3 loss to Watford.
They will now have the chance to redeem themselves against Newcastle United, a team who also lost their opening game of the campaign.
Villa are unbeaten in their previous six matches against the Magpies but Dean Smith is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up on Saturday, something which could help Newcastle have a slight edge.
Going into matchweek two, the Aston Villa boss is still trying to figure out what his best XI will be for the rest of the season which is why we are not expecting too many fireworks from them this weekend either.
Against Watford, Villa played with a 4-2-3-1 system but they are expected to move to a 4-4-2 formation this time since Smith will want to bring in Ollie Watkins into the side.
Aston Villa’s team news vs NUFC:
Ashley Young played on the left wing vs Watford but he is going to slot into the left-back role as Targett moves to the bench.
Apart from this one change, the backline is going to remain the same. Axel Tuanzebe has joined from Manchester United on a loan deal but he is not going to start against Newcastle United.
John McGinn scored for Aston Villa on matchday one and he will be partnered by Nakamba in central midfield.
Emi Buendia did start last weekend but he was playing in the attacking midfielder’s role, something which he is not the best suited for. But going to a 4-4-2 system means he will be able to slot to the right-hand side of attack.
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Leon Bailey came on as a sub against the Hornets but he is a guaranteed starter for Aston Villa this weekend. The introduction of Bailey and the switch of Buendia to the wing means El Ghazi will have to move to the bench.
Ollie Watkins missed the first match due to a knee injury but we think he would have had enough time to make a full recovery. If a 100% fit, he will partner Danny Ings up front.
Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Newcastle:
Predicted XI(4-4-2): Martinez; Matty Cash, Ashley Young, Mings, Konsa; McGinn, Nakamba, Buendia, Leon Bailey; Watkins, Ings.
Stats via Whoscored.
