Aston Villa host Newcastle United at Villa Park tonight and could be without Matt Targett and John McGinn, potentially forcing Dean Smith into making two changes from the side which lost 2-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Emiliano Martinez started in midweek and was in fine form despite being on the losing team, so he should keep his place between the sticks against Newcastle. Despite Tyrone Mings’ error in Wednesday’s defeat, he should start alongside Ezri Konsa at centre-back. Kortney Hause is injured so Bjorn Engels may stay on the bench.
Matty Cash played a full 90 minutes against City without issue and is expected to get the nod at right-back on Saturday evening. Targett went off injured against City, but Birmingham Live claimed that he’s only suffering from fatigue, so he should still be fine to keep his place at left-back.
With McGinn suspended, Marvelous Nakamba is the only ball-winning midfielder available to Smith. He could start alongside Douglas Luiz in midfield to protect the backline. Ross Barkley is likely to get the nod in a central attacking midfield role again.
Jack Grealish and Bertrand Traore should start on opposing flanks like they did against City, meaning Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet would be named on the bench. Ollie Watkins will likely lead the line as Smith doesn’t have any fit alternative up front. The 25-year-old hope to end his nine-game goal drought.
All in all, just the one change from Wednesday as Nakamba fills the void left by McGinn’s suspension.
Predicted XI vs Newcastle: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, Nakamba; Traore, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins
Comments.
Loading comments…