Predicted Newcastle XI: Eddie Howe makes Bruno Guimaraes decision vs Aston Villa | OneFootball

St. James’ Park sets the stage for a gripping Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle United welcome Aston Villa to Tyneside. 

On paper, Newcastle head into this fixture as underdogs, with the visitors sitting 10 points ahead in the Premier League table.

However, the Magpies are in better form than Villa after putting together a four-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League (W3, D1).

The only blemish in that run came in a frustrating goalless draw against basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, which ended a three-game league winning run.

Despite dominating proceedings, Newcastle couldn’t find a winner and will head into Sunday’s outing sitting 9th in the Premier League table.

Eddie Howe’s attacking unit recaptured their goalscoring form in the Champions League as the Magpies bounced back in emphatic style.

They claimed a comfortable 3-0 win against Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven at St. James’ Park, courtesy of goals from Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, and Harvey Barnes.

Howe will demand more of the same when his side return to Premier League duties, with the Magpies eyeing back-to-back home wins in all competitions.

A win for Newcastle will also move them level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool as they look to reclaim their place in the top four.

How Newcastle could line up

Howe would be wary of shuffling the XI that put PSV to the sword in midweek, but a fresh injury blow could force the Englishman to make one change for the Villa clash.

Nick Pope should retain his place in goal, with an unchanged back four of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall ahead of the English goalkeeper.

The solitary change could come in midfield with academy talent Lewis Miley coming in for Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes, who picked up a knock against PSV.

The Brazilian midfielder is ready to play through the pain. But Howe will likely protect the “pivotal” midfielder by giving Miley the nod alongside Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in midfield.

An attacking trio of Gordon, Wissa, and Barnes should also remain unchanged after their stellar Champions League display.

Wissa’s performance spells trouble for £69 million summer signing Nick Woltemade, who is on an eight-match goal drought since bagging a brace against Chelsea in December 2025.