The Premier League is finally back, as Newcastle United kick off the 2023/24 season at home to Aston Villa.
It is a tough opening fixture for Eddie Howe’s side, who are looking to build on the success of last season where they finished fourth.
Not many pundits are predicting Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League again, with the likes of Michael Owen and Gary Neville tipping the Magpies to finish outside the top four.
Only time will tell if they are right, but Howe’s main focus will be starting the season with a strong performance and a win against Villa.
Howe has some big decisions to make, and this is our predicted Newcastle XI to face Aston Villa in the first game of the season
No Fabian Schar
The big injury concern going into Newcastle’s first game of the season is Fabian Schar.
He has not been seen since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea during the Premier League Summer Series. And with no word on when the Swiss centre-back will be fit, it feels unlikely that he will feature in the season opener.
That would create a chance for captain Jamaal Lascelles, who is Newcastle’s backup right-sided centre-back. He only started two league games last season, but could have the chance to kick off the new campaign in Howe’s side.
Sean Longstaff starts against Aston Villa
Despite limited minutes in pre-season, Sean Longstaff could be in line to start on Saturday. He returned from injury at the weekend, and is likely considered as a safe pair of hands for the first game of the season by Howe.
We believe he will operate in midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, which means Sandro Tonali misses out. While there is a lot of buzz about his arrival, it feels likely that Howe will take his time integrating the 23-year-old into his side.
Harvey Barnes on the bench for Newcastle
Another big decision that Howe needs to make is at the top end of the pitch.
Anthony Gordon has been outstanding in pre-season, but Harvey Barnes showed everyone exactly what he is about on Sunday with a brace against Villarreal.
However, despite his two goals, we believe Howe bench Barnes and go with Gordon on the left, and play the 22-year-old alongside Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron.
That means the likes of Barnes and Callum Wilson will be in reserve, and they are great second half options for the Magpies.
Predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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