Newcastle United predicted line-up vs Aston Villa as big Anthony Gordon decision made

Newcastle United find themselves in 3rd position in the Premier League as they cement their place in the top four. They have been in fine form over recent weeks and will want to keep their momentum going. The North East outfit have six fixtures left to play before the end of the season.

Next up is a crucial away trip to Villa Park to lock horns with Aston Villa. Their upcoming opponents are five points behind them in the table. The Toon Army should be full of confidence though after their 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out at home.

Newcastle United team news ahead of Aston Villa clash

Newcastle remain without defender Jamaal Lascelles due to a knee injury. He is expected to be out until the next campaign. His boss Eddie Howe said earlier this month: “I don't know if we will see Jamaal again [this season]. I don't want to set a target or time. He has started very light training with the squad - on the drills - that are not competitive. He has looked very good; it is small steps for him.”

Left-back Lewis Hall is out of action at the moment and has recently had surgery. The Toon Army will be patient with him as they wait for the right chance to throw him back with pre-season his most likely return date. He has posted on social media: “Surgery was a success, and now it's time to rest, recover and support the boys.”

Centre-back Sven Botman has had his fair share of injury woes over recent times. He is in the treatment room and is still not available to play. Howe said in this latest update: “Sven's not too bad. He's had a very minor operation just to clean out some floating bone that was in his knee and was causing him a problem. The initial diagnosis was between 6-8 weeks. Fingers crossed, we'll see him in May.”

Newcastle United predicted XI for Aston Villa match

Nick Pope is back in the sticks for Newcastle and kept a clean sheet against Crystal Palace. He has made 22 appearances in the league this season. Martin Dubravka provides competition for him from the bench.

Kieron Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento are likely to keep their place in the starting XI in defence. The back four have been settled recently and have looked solid. Trippier tends to go off in the second half with Emil Krafth ready to step up if needed.

Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are immovable in the middle of the park. The trio work very well together and will look to cause problems for Aston Villa. Players such as Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff act as cover if needed. Jacob Murphy has had a new lease of life over recent years and Howe has managed to get the best out of him. On the other flank, Harvey Barnes has been enjoying game time and is in top form. Anthony Gordon may have to settle for a seat on the bench again.

Up front, Alexander Isak is one of the most prolific strikers in the world right now. The Sweden international will want to add to his tally against Aston Villa. He has bagged 60 goals in 104 since moving to England.

Newcastle United predicted XI to face Aston Villa: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Barnes; Isak