Aston Villa and Newcastle have confirmed their starting XIs for their tantalising Premier League opener on Saturday lunchtime.
Both sides have been in similar positions battling for Europe in recent seasons and as a result this fixture has thrown up some crackers over the years.
Unai Emery’s men ran out 4-1 winners in this game at Villa Park last season but it was the Magpies who eventually pipped Villa to Champions League qualification last term, while the Geordies’ 5-1 victory on the opening day two years ago at St James’ Park will still be fresh in both teams’ memories.
Newcastle also begin the season under the backdrop of plenty of turmoil as speculation over star striker Alexander Isak’s future continues. The talismanic forward won’t be involved in the West Midlands as he tries to force a move away.
Scroll down for the confirmed squads and line-ups for the 12:30pm kick-off at Villa Park.
Aston Villa confirmed XI
Villa have a familiar feel to their starting XI after a quiet transfer window which may be celebrated more for its lack of outgoings rather than incomings.
Emiliano Martinez remains at the club but is suspended for their Premier League opener following his red card against Manchester United on the final day of last season, with new signings Marco Bizot making his debut for the club.
Tyrone Mings starts over Pau Torres in defence, with Amadou Onana getting the nod in midfield. Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with Newcastle, starts up top for Villa.
Morgan Rogers is fit to start, with new signing Evann Guessand named on the bench.
Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Subs: Torres, Maatsen, Bogarde, Buendia, Malen, Jimoh-Alboba, Iling-Junior, Guessand, Wright
Newcastle confirmed XI
Newcastle also have a new face in the starting XI as Anthony Elanga makes his Magpies debut following his move from Nottingham Forest.
With no Isak, Anthony Gordon starts through the middle after being deemed fit to start, with Harvey Barnes making up the front three on the left.
Summer signings Malick Thiaw, Seung-soo Park and Aaron Ramsdale are named on the bench.
Newcastle XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Joelinton, Guimaraes; Barnes, Gordon, Elanga.
Subs: Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Seung-soo, Miley, Ramsdale
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