Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI versus Aston Villa as Eddie Howe forced to make tough decisions.
The day is finally here. 76 days since the last, Newcastle United finally return to Premier League action for the start of the 2023-24 season.
Aston Villa are first up at St James’ Park (kick-off 5:30pm) and Magpies head coach Eddie Howe is facing some tough decisions regarding his starting XI.
United have spent around £120million on new signings, with Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento arriving from AC Milan, Leicester City and Southampton, respectively.
The question is, will any of the trio start? Or will Howe keep faith with the same team that achieved Champions League qualification last time out for a little while longer.
Even within the group of players Howe coached last term, one in particular has given him a big selection headache. That player is Elliot Anderson, who finished the summer as United’s top scorer with four goals.
“I have genuinely five or six [decisions] to make, which is a compliment to the squad,” said Howe during his pre-match press conference. “I understand there is more debate over certain positions, but you’ll have to wait and see the teamsheet!”
Howe is right, we will have to wait, but here’s the starting XI NewcastleWorld is predicting Howe to go with to face Unai Emery’s Villa.
Build up to Newcastle’s first game of the new Premier League season with our FREE football newsletter. Get team news, transfer headlines and more when you sign up for NUFC Latest. Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond. Visit our website here to sign up.
