Predicted Newcastle lineup to face Aston Villa: Matt Targett on the bench

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It’s Newcastle United vs Aston Villa at St James’ Park this weekend, as Eddie Howe’s team go in search of three wins on the bounce.

The Magpies have won their previous two games, beating Everton 1-0 before a 2-1 victory away at Tottenham on Sunday. Howe’s side are now seven games unbeaten, and sit fourth in the Premier League table.

It’s been a remarkable start to the season for Newcastle, and they will look to continue their good form against Aston Villa.

Newcastle have got real momentum, and this is our predicted team to face Aston Villa on Saturday

Matt Targett on the bench for Newcastle

With Newcastle facing Aston Villa, it’s a first chance for Matt Targett to play against his former side. He was loaned out to Newcastle by Villa in January, and the move became permanent in the summer for £15million.

While Targett has largely been very good for Newcastle, he currently finds himself out of favour. He has lost his place in the starting XI to Dan Burn, who has been playing very well at left-back.

Given the strength of Newcastle’s defence at the moment, it feels incredibly unlikely that Howe will want to tinker with it. That means Targett will once again start on the bench, which will be disappointing given the opponent.

But all of Howe’s back five deserve their place in the starting XI. It would be unfair to change anything.

Joelinton continues out wide vs Aston Villa

Howe made one change to his side for the win over Tottenham. Joe Willock replaced Jacob Murphy, forcing Joelinton to play out wide. And we expect the Brazilian to remain out there against Aston Villa.

Joelinton had an excellent game on Sunday, and proved that he can still do a job out wide despite his centre midfield stardom.

With Allan Saint-Maximin still out and Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy struggling for form, playing the 26-year-old on the left flank is Howe’s best option.

He will be joined in attack by the scorers against Tottenham – Callum Wilson and the red hot Miguel Almiron.

Predicted XI to face Aston Villa: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.