The stand-in head coach takes his Aston Villa side to Newcastle United before Unai Emery takes charge from November. Here’s all you need to know in this week’s match preview…
THE BUILD-UP
Aaron Danks looks to build upon last Sunday’s outstanding 4-0 victory over Brentford at Villa Park as his side travel up north to face an inform Newcastle United. Danks is temporarily in charge of The Villans after Steven Gerrard was sacked following the defeat at Fulham last Thursday.
Earlier this week, Aston Villa confirmed the appointment of the reputable Unai Emery. The four-time Europa League winner succeeds Steven Gerrard in the head coach role and will take charge from November 1st, with his first game in the dugout up against Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United.
Newcastle United enter Saturday’s fixture having seen off Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Eddie Howie’s side have endured an inspired start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign and find themselves in a staggering 4th place after 12 games.
It is set to be a difficult occasion for Aaron Danks and his Aston Villa side, but last week’s performance would have certainly boosted morale and confidence. Can the former RSC Anderlecht assistant snatch and grab three points on Tyneside before the Unai Emery era begins, or will Howe’s side continue their fine form?
TEAM NEWS
Aaron Danks provided a fitness update on Friday morning and confirmed that left-back Lucas Digne will be available for selection. He said: “Digne has completed a full week of training with the group and will return to the squad to face Newcastle United on Saturday”.
The caretaker manager also commented on Boubacar Kamara’s situation, he said: “Kamara hasn’t trained with the group yet, but he is back on the grass and moving closer to a return”.
Newcastle United could have as many as six players out this weekend. Defender Emil Krafth is out until next year with a serious knee injury. His Swedish international teammate and The Magpies’ record signing Alexander Isak is also unavailable with a hamstring problem.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is sidelined with an ankle injury, meanwhile tricky winger Allan Saint-Maximin may return to the squad. Eddie Howe provided an update on the Frenchman, he said: “There’s a chance. We’ll see how training goes today [Friday].”
Veteran defenders Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie are set to miss the fixture with respective calf injuries. Young midfielder Elliot Anderson comes back into the fold however. Howe said: “He’s OK. He had a minor niggle [before Spurs] and it was nothing serious, so he’s back in the squad for this week.”
A BIT ON NEWCASTLE
Eddie Howe has revolutionised Newcastle United during his 11 months on Tyneside. The former AFC Bournemouth head coach replaced an out of favour Steve Bruce last November and has completely transformed the black and whites in that time.
Under Bruce, Newcastle failed to win in their first 14 games of the 2021/22 season. Howe then led The Magpies to an 11th place finish, including 12 wins in the remaining 18 games of the campaign. This form has carried into the current term and the four-time league cup winners find themselves inside the top four and among the Premier League’s most elite.
Victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Fulham have stood out thus far and well-earned draws against both Manchester City and Manchester United demonstrate the threat and intent of this Newcastle team. Players such as Bruno GuimarΓ£es, Miguel AlmirΓ³n and Callum Wilson all find themselves in red-hot form and each pose a serious threat to Aston Villa this weekend.
Newcastle United are unbeaten at home against The Villans since 2005. Eddie Howe will look to protect this long-standing record heading into Saturday’s contest, meanwhile Aaron Danks will hope to continue his 100% winning streak as interim manager with all three points on the road at St James’ Park.
PREDICTED LINEUP
Below is Liamβs predicted line-up for the big game at St James’ Park:
He thinks the side will be unchanged from last week β do you agree? What changes would you make?
Make your own attempt by accessing the following link: https://utvpodcast.co.uk/line-up-selector/.
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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