Joelinton starts, Wissa up top? – Confirmed Newcastle & Aston Villa team news
Newcastle United are back at St James’ Park this evening as Matthias Jaissle’s Mags take on Aston Villa in a 5.30pm kick-off.
Following Monday night’s miserable 4-1 defeat at Coventry City, the lads will be looking to bounce back on home turf a month on from our 2-1 win over Hull City. Here’s how both sides line up.
Confirmed line-ups
Newcastle XI: Hornicek - Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Gonzalez, Joelinton (c) - Barnes, Willock, Fernandez-Pardo - Wissa.
Substitutes: Pope, Schär, Burn, Dedić, Bamba, Steur, Osula, Toure, Murphy.
Aston Villa XI: Suzuki - Cash, Lindelöf, Mings, Wan-Bissaka - Kamara, Gomes, Alysson, Buendía, Manzambi - Jackson.
Substitutes: Bizot, Harwood-Bellis, Torres, Barkley, McGinn, Bogarde, Goretzka, Mbaye, Madjo.
Joelinton has returned to the side and is named the captain for tonight's game, with the Brazilian replacing Jacob Murphy.
That's the only change Jaissle has made from Monday night's defeat, although it's not clear who starts in what position?
It could be Yoane Wissa up top, moving Fernandez-Pardo to the wing. Or, if Fernandez-Pardo is operating as a striker once again, we could see Wissa in the No.10 role and Joe Willock moved to the right wing.
Young striker Afner Ca has been spotted with the squad after impressing with our Under-21s, but he hasn't been listed as one of our substitutes, much like Kyran Thompson at Coventry.
As for Villa, former Toon target Johan Manzambi starts for the away side, with Nicolas Jackson up front following his summer move from Chelsea.
