Newcastle are currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten run but face a tough trip to Villa Park on Monday in a bid to extend their good form.
Steve Bruce seems to have hit upon a winning formula and with players beginning to understand their role in the team, it is unlikely that he will look to change too much.
The front three have looked dangerous of late, particularly on their last away outing at the London Stadium, and if they can produce in the final third this time around the Magpies may have too much for Aston Villa.
However, the home side aren’t short of dangermen of their own. Bruce is looking to get one over on his former side but admitted that midfielder John McGinn is his one of his best ever signings, and so far the Scotland international has 10 goals this season.
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Getting the better of him will be key, and the same can be said of Jack Grealish, whose impressive form has seen him touted for an England call-up.
In response to their threat, it is very likely that Isaac Hayden will start once again. He has played well this term, particuarly from a defensive point of view with 2.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game.
It is important he is effective, as Newcastle will likely have to bring two fresh faces into the backline due to injuries to Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark, and therefore it is probable that the visitors will line up like this.
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Paul Dummett and Fabian Schar have both performed well at times this season, with the latter producing the highest number of interceptions of any Newcastle defender so far.
His return to the side will likely please fans and should make-up for the loss of Lascelles, though it will be interesting to see how they cope without the leadership and organisation he brings to the team – as he is yet to miss a league game so far.
As for Dummett, he put in a solid display against Bournemouth when replacing the injured skipper, and with Bruce organising the defence effectively they may be able to shut out the home side.
Other than that, the starting XI is likely to be the same from the victory over the Cherries, with a few players beginning to find good form – DeAndre Yedlin even scored last time out for example.