Newcastle United welcome Aston Villa to St. James’ Park on Sunday, February 23rd. Newcastle come into this match losing their last three matches by a combined score of 10-0. This should be a game where Newcastle can get back on the right foot and get three points.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Newcastle will continue to go with their favored 4-2-3-1 formation. Newcastle United are beginning to get healthier and Pardew has some decisions to make on who will make the eleven this week.
GK: Tim Krul
Krul is Newcastle’s number one and he has been fantastic this season when called upon. Unfortunately, for the Toons, he has been called on too often and his defense has let him down at times.
LB: Davide Santon
Santon has pretty much had a lock on the left back position from the beginning of the campaign but if he does start to play poorly, Paul Dummett is a man who could replace him.
CB: Fabricio Coloccini
Newcastle United welcome back their skipper. Coloccini has not featured since New Year’s Day, so getting him back fit will be a huge boost to the center of that defense.
CB: Mike Williamson
Williamson has not been the starter from the beginning, but ever since getting the opportunity with all the injuries, he has taken it. He has been the most consistent defender for Newcastle and I expect him to start over Steven Taylor.
RB: Mathieu Debuchy
Debuchy has been under-performing as of late, but I expect him to retain his right back spot, because he provides width in the attacking third for a side who need to find the back of the net more consistently.
CDM: Cheick Tiote
Tiote has missed the last two premier league fixtures, but looks as if he is fit enough to make the squad. Tiote back in the holding midfield role will allow more players to go forward in attack.
CDM: Vurnon Anita
Anita has been a good player for Newcastle and the return of Tiote will give Anita more freedom to go forward, similar to the role of Yaya Toure for Manchester City.
LW: Yoan Gouffran
I expect Gouffran to start in this match. He has scored six goals in the premier league, but has yet to find the back of the net since the turn of the new year.
CAM: Luuk de Jong
de Jong has featured in each of the three matches for his new side since joining on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach. He will not play up top because of Remy, but he will play in the “hole” behind him and have luxury to swap around throughout the match.
RW: Moussa Sissoko
Sissoko has been playing in a deeper role of late but with the return of Tiote, it will allow Sissoko to play in his more natural position out wide.
ST: Loic Remy
This clash will see the return of leading goal scorer Loic Remy. He has missed the last three matches due to a red he was shown in the draw with Norwich. Newcastle has been awful in attack without his presence up top and will hope his return comes with goals and three points.
