Newcastle vs Aston Villa predicted lineups: Joelinton tipped to start as Barkley faces check

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Our Newcastle vs Aston Villa predicted lineups include a return to the starting team for Joelinton, while Ross Barkley’s fitness leaves Unai Emery with an attacking decision.

Newcastle host Villa at St James’ Park on Saturday 17 October, with kick-off at 5.30pm BST.

The hosts need a response to Monday’s 4–1 defeat at Coventry. Villa arrive after a contrasting European performance, beating Fenerbahce 6–0 with Nicolas Jackson and Barkley both scoring twice.

Our Newcastle vs Aston Villa TV and live-stream guide has the broadcast details.

Newcastle team news: Joelinton pushing for a bigger role

Joelinton returned from injury as a substitute at Coventry and could now be ready to start.

As reported in the latest update on Newcastle’s returning players, the midfielder has more training behind him than Dan Burn, whose return to the starting defence appears less likely.

Our prediction uses Joelinton alongside Nico Gonzalez and Joe Willock in a three-man midfield.

That would give Newcastle another player capable of competing for possession and carrying the ball forward, although his recent return means his workload still needs managing.

Anthony Elanga, Tino Livramento, Jacob Ramsey and Ewen Jaouen remain unavailable. Bazoumana Toure is also a fitness concern.

Fernandez-Pardo gets the nod ahead of Osula

Matias Fernandez-Pardo is our choice to lead Newcastle’s attack, with Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes either side.

William Osula offers an alternative after returning from injury, but his readiness for a longer appearance remains a consideration.

Matthias Jaissle has continued to support Fernandez-Pardo, praising his finishing in training and expressing confidence that the goals will follow, as reported by NUFC Blog from his pre-match comments.

That backing informs our prediction, although it does not guarantee the forward another start.

Aston Villa team news: Barkley and Hemmings being assessed

Barkley experienced discomfort during Wednesday’s European victory and faces a fitness assessment.

Emery also said George Hemmings was approaching a possible return, with both players requiring checks before the trip, according to Hayters’ report from his press conference.

Our Barkley fitness update explains the uncertainty following his two-goal performance.

Emiliano Buendia is our predicted selection behind Jackson, with John McGinn and Johan Manzambi completing the attacking support.

Manzambi opened the scoring against Fenerbahce. His growing contribution is explored in our analysis of the threat he gives Villa before Newcastle.

Ian Maatsen, Matteo Ruggeri and Amadou Onana remain sidelined. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is therefore our choice at left-back, with Joao Gomes partnering Boubacar Kamara in midfield.

Newcastle vs Aston Villa predicted lineups

Newcastle predicted XI (4-3-3): Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Gonzalez, Willock; Murphy, Fernandez-Pardo, Barnes.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Wan-Bissaka; Kamara, Gomes; McGinn, Buendia, Manzambi; Jackson.

These are predicted selections. Newcastle’s returning players remain subject to workload decisions, while Villa’s late fitness checks could change Emery’s options.

Related: Newcastle hope for injury returns against Coventry as Jaouen faces two months out · Aston Villa player ratings vs Viking: Alysson leads the way as Barkley and Buendia score in 3-1 win

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