The six players who seem guaranteed to start for Newcastle against Aston Villa

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In less than two weeks, Newcastle United kick off the 2023/24 Premier League season at home to Aston Villa.

It is a tough start for Eddie Howe, who has some major decisions to make between now and then regarding his starting lineup.

There is suddenly a lot of competition for places, particularly in midfield and attack. The arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes have really enhanced Howe’s squad, and they will hope to have a major role this season.

But will they start the season opener against Aston Villa?

It is impossible to say right now, but these are the six players who currently feel guaranteed to be in Howe’s first Newcastle starting XI against Aston Villa on August 12th

Nick Pope

There is no doubt that Nick Pope will be in Newcastle’s starting lineup against Aston Villa. He is now back from injury, and already looks to be in fine form. He produced some incredible saves on his return against Chelsea out in America, and will want to be a key player for Newcastle yet again this season.

Kieran Trippier

Even if Tino Livramento does arrive in time, Kieran Trippier will certainly be at right-back on the opening day. But whether or not he is captain is up in the air.

Sven Botman

Newcastle had a settled back four last season, and Howe will hope for the same this time out. However, it is unclear if he will be able to call upon his regular defence against Aston Villa.

Fabian Schar picked up an injury out in America, and it is unclear how long he will be out for. Therefore, we can’t say he is guaranteed to start. If he is injured, that could create an opportunity for Jamaal Lascelles, who would then reclaim the captain’s armband.

Another question mark is at left-back, with Matt Targett pushing Dan Burn for a place in the starting XI.

But while there is some uncertainty, we should see Botman start at St James’ Park on August 12th.

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle’s strongest position is midfield, but Bruno Guimaraes feels like the only guaranteed starter right now. He is our most important player, and will continue to operate in the number six role.

But who he plays alongside is unclear at the moment. The most likely to start next to him is Joelinton, while Elliot Anderson is close behind after an exceptional pre-season so far.

Elsewhere, Tonali might not be thrust into Premier League action immediately, while there are still doubts surrounding the fitness of Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.

At this moment in time, we can only say Bruno is a guaranteed starter.

Miguel Almiron

With two lovely goals this summer, Miguel Almiron appears to be in fine form going into the 2023/24 campaign. He has got to start on the right, and will be eager to get amongst the goals just like he did last year.

Anthony Gordon

While big money was spent on Harvey Barnes, you have to assume that Anthony Gordon is starting against Villa. He looks to be full of confidence after his summer exploits with England, and is gearing up for an exciting first full season in black and white.

With Almiron and Gordon on the wings, Newcastle have stacks of pace. But the big decision Howe still needs to make that plagued him so much last season is who starts up front – Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson.