Gayle to replace Hendrick: Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Aston Villa

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With the threat of relegation looming, Newcastle need to get a result against Aston Villa.

The performance away to West Brom was particularly worrying, and the Magpies need to pose a much bigger threat going forwards.

But who will Steve Bruce select as he looks to move further away from the bottom three?

Manquillo to return

Despite a terrible attacking performance, Newcastle were pretty solid in defence last weekend.

The return of Paul Dummett certainly helped, and he should continue at left-back.

However, I expect to see a change on the opposite side.

Javi Manquillo is fit after picking up an injury in our last win over Southampton, and should start ahead of Emil Krafth.

Out of the two, the Spaniard is the superior player. While Manquillo was out, Krafth severely struggled.

Thankfully, the 26-year-old is fit again, and will hopefully return to the starting XI after sitting on the bench last week.

Deeper role for Joe Willock

Against West Brom, Joe Willock played in a more advanced role. He started brightly with some positive runs forward, but he didn’t get close to matching Miguel Almiron’s influence.

Bruce must change the system to accommodate another forward, and that will mean that Willock plays slightly deeper.

The Arsenal loanee should start in midfield alongside Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey, forcing Jeff Hendrick to drop to the bench.

The summer signing returned to the starting XI last week, but was one of Newcastle’s worst performers at the Hawthorns.

Gayle up front

In Hendrick’s place should be Dwight Gayle. And instead of playing in an uncomfortable midfield role, he should be up front.

Bruce must shift from a 4-1-2-1-2 to a 4-3-3, and allow Gayle to play as an out-and-out striker.

Newcastle need goals, and our best bet right now is the 31-year-old.

The excuses need to stop, and Gayle must start against Aston Villa.

Predicted XI to face Aston Villa: Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Willock, Shelvey, Hayden; Joelinton, Gayle, Fraser.