Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United in a battle that will have major consequences for both sides in the race for a spot in a European competition next season.
Without a loss in their last six Premier League games, Villa face a tough run in as they bid for European football, with the game against the Magpies at Villa Park followed by trips to Manchester United, Brentford and Liverpool before the end of the season, as well as home ties with Brighton and Tottenham.
Newcastle themselves are one of two sides that can better that record, having won each of their last five Premier League games, and the clash promises to be a spectacle.
It looks a longshot, but three points against Eddie Howe’s side would lift them to within six points of Newcastle and a top four spot, while taking them further clear of Liverpool, who don’t play until Monday.
Here’s how we expect Unai Emery to set his side up for the clash, and the latest team news from the midlands.
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Predicted XI
Team News
Unai Emery will have a long list of injury issues to deal with, which attacker Leon Bailey only added to when he seemingly suffered a hamstring issue against Nottingham Forest, needing to be removed after half an hour.
It means that decisions will have to be made about midfield and attack, with Bertrand Traore replacing Bailey last weekend and likely to do so again, while Kamara’s absence will likely see captain John McGinn continue in central midfield for the Villains.
Elsewhere, it is likely to be a settled side, with Ashley Young deputising for Matty Cash at right back, leaving Alex Moreno as the preferred choice to Lucas Digne, while Diego Carlos has returned to action but is yet to win a place in Emery’s backline.
