How Aston Villa could line up against Newcastle United

By Matt Law | 10 Mar 2021 11:01, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Aston Villa will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they continue their campaign away to relegation-threatened Newcastle United on Friday night.

Dean Smith's side, who drew 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, are currently ninth in the table, three points behind eighth-placed Liverpool with two matches in hand over the champions.

Villa will again be without the services of defender Kortney Hause on Friday despite the fact that he has made progress in his recovery from an ankle issue.

Wesley will also not be considered as he works his way back from a serious knee injury, but Morgan Sanson, Bertrand Traore and Anwar El Ghazi should all shake off minor issues to be a part of the squad against the Magpies.

The main talking point again surrounds the availability of Jack Grealish, who has missed his side's last four Premier League games with a shin problem; the England international is thought to have made strong progress this week, but he will not be available for this contest.

Smith is expected to keep faith with the majority of the side that drew with Wolves, but Ross Barkley is pushing for a spot in the side, potentially at the expense of Sanson.

Fit-again El Ghazi could earn a spot in the final third of the field, while Matty Cash - recently out with a thigh issue - has been declared fit and should be available to start at right-back.

Ollie Watkins has scored 10 Premier League goals during an impressive first season at this level and will again operate at the tip of the attack.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Barkley, El Ghazi; Watkins

> Click here to see how Newcastle could line up for this contest