Newcastle United are back in Premier League action today against Aston Villa.
The feeling about the club is positive right now, after back-to-back wins in the competition.
Eddie Howe’s side defeated Everton in midweek to climb out of the relegation zone.
And other results so far this weekend have gone the Magpies’ way, meaning there’s a chance to put a bit of daylight between Norwich and Watford today.
It was a fantastic display against the Toffees at St. James’ Park.
Simply put, if that kind of level can be replicated today, Newcastle will stand a fantastic chance of winning.
Three points at Villa Park will result in serious optimism for Newcastle fans, with Steven Gerrard having had a great impact on them since his arrival.
Predicted Newcastle XI to face Aston Villa
Martin Dubravka will keep his place between the sticks. And there is certain to be at least one change to the defence.
Matt Targett is on loan at Newcastle from Villa, and therefore ineligible to play today.
Howe has a couple of potential options, but he might opt to go with new £13 million signing Dan Burn (BBC Sport), rather than use the ex-Brighton man in the middle.
Both Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar played really well against Everton and neither warrants being dropped to the bench.
Kieran Trippier will hopefully be fit enough to continue at right-back.
Midfield is the most anticipated aspect of the starting XI this weekend. All eyes are on whether Howe will bring Bruno Guimaraes in for his debut.
The Brazilian is a class act, but Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Joe Willock have been great in the last couple of games.
It would be a harsh call for any one of them to drop out. But if any of them are going to, it would probably be Willock who comes out.
In attack, Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin will likely provide the width either side of Chris Wood, who could do with opening his goalscoring account for the Magpies today.
This will not be an easy game. Villa are much improved under Gerrard, and the form of Philippe Coutinho is particularly concerning.
But Newcastle have a bit of momentum, and fresh belief of survival.
Hopefully, we get to see another performance full of heart like against Everton.
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