Following a 3-1 win over Everton in midweek, we are back at St James’ Park today to face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa – knowing a third win on the trot could send us FOUR clear of the relegation zone.
The team news has arrived ahead of the 2pm kick off live on Sky Sports, seeing us line up as follows:
STARTING 11: Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Manquillo – Shelvey, Willock, Joelinton – Fraser, Wood, Saint-Maximin.
SUBS: Darlow, Dummett, Krafth, Murphy, Almiron, Gayle, Longstaff, Bruno, De Bolle.
So, Eddie Howe has made TWO changes, seeing Dan Burn and Javier Manquillo replace Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Targett, with the skipper unwell and the Aston Villa loanee ineligible against his parent club.
The good news is that Kieran Trippier has been passed fit to start and captains the side at right-back, while Bruno Guimaraes remains on the bench after our win in midweek.
Lucas De Bolle is also named in the squad alongside Paul Dummett, suggesting the U23 talent has impressed Eddie Howe behind the scenes.
Callum Wilson misses out once again with an ongoing calf injury, along with Matt Ritchie and Federico Fernandez.
Here’s how Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa line up for today’s game, seeing Phillipe Coutinho and Emi Buendia overcome knocks picked up in midweek:
