Aston Villa Team News Confirmed for Newcastle United Premier League Clash
Unai Emery has officially confirmed his Aston Villa starting lineup for this afternoon's Premier League encounter against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. The Villa manager has implemented five significant changes from the side that secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday night.
Key Returns and Tactical Decisions
The most notable inclusion is the return of first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who has successfully overcome a recent injury concern. Martinez will take his place between the posts, providing a substantial boost to Villa's defensive solidity.
He will be protected by a back four consisting of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen. In midfield, Amadou Onana partners Youri Tielemans in the double pivot, offering a blend of physicality and creative distribution.
The attacking trio behind striker Ollie Watkins sees Jadon Sancho, Emi Buendia, and Morgan Rogers tasked with unlocking the Newcastle defence. Notably, Harvey Elliott and Leon Bailey have been named among the substitutes, providing Emery with impactful options from the bench.
Form Guide and Historical Context
Aston Villa face a formidable challenge, given Newcastle's impressive home record. The Magpies are unbeaten in their last seventeen home league games against Villa, having won the previous four encounters by a commanding aggregate score of 13-1.
Furthermore, Eddie Howe's side enters this match in strong form, unbeaten in their last eight Premier League home fixtures. They have begun 2026 with consecutive victories at St. James' Park, defeating both Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
However, Unai Emery's Villa have been impressive on their travels this season. The team has accumulated 18 points away from home in the Premier League, a tally bettered only by Arsenal's 21 points. Villa's current rate of 1.64 points per game on the road in the 2025–26 campaign represents their best performance in any season since the 2009–10 campaign, where they averaged 1.68 points.
Confirmed Starting Lineups
Aston Villa Starting XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; Sancho, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
Aston Villa Substitutes: Bizot, Lindelof, Digne, Mings, Bogarde, Hemmings, Bailey, Elliott, Guessand.
Newcastle United Starting XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Joelinton, Tonali; Barnes, Gordon, Wissa.
Newcastle United Substitutes: Ramsdale, Osula, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, Burn, A. Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar.
