Predicted Newcastle team vs Aston Villa – Who we back Howe to start at RCM, LW and ST

After a few months away, Premier League football is back at St James’ Park, with Newcastle United set to take on Aston Villa in today’s 5.30pm kick-off.

Here’s what starting 11 we’re backing Eddie Howe to go with and why:

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

It’s been debated online for a few weeks now, but it feels like Howe is facing these three selection dilemmas:

1. Anderson, Longstaff or Tonali to start in midfield alongside Bruno and Joelinton?
2. Gordon or Barnes on the left?
3. Wilson or Isak up top?

I still think there’s a slim chance Isak plays on the left, allowing both him and Wilson – last season’s top scorer – to start. However, I think Howe will go with Longstaff, Gordon and Isak from those options.

In midfield, Longstaff was a big miss when we were overrun in that 3-0 defeat at Villa Park in April. Like most overseas signings, I expect Howe to ease Tonali, but it would be harsh on Anderson. He’s been our player of pre-season, but hasn’t played on the right side of a midfield three much. If you move him to the left, you mess with Joelinton’s best position; where he supports our left winger and protect Dan Burn so well.

On the left, Barnes’ brace on Sunday was a reminder that he’s currently more clinical than Gordon, but the latter looks up to speed physically and full of confidence. He’s had months to get used to our system, our pressing and what Howe demands from his wingers, giving him the edge on Barnes; who didn’t feature in several of Leicester’s friendlies before signing a few weeks ago. For me, Howe will look to build on Gordon’s improved confidence and fitness levels, while also giving Barnes a chance to improve his fitness levels and understanding of the team dynamic.

Up top it’s so hard to call and such a tough choice when both are fit. However, if only one can start and Isak isn’t used on the left, I can’t see Howe leaving out our club-record signing. Not only that, he started alongside Gordon and Almiron against Fiorentina, meaning the trio I’m backing to start on Saturday have already had some experience of playing together.