Newcastle United started the campaign in 2021/22 with a thriller that opened this weekend, but travels to Aston Villa for its first away day of the season without points.
Five minutes into the new season and Newcastle led the Europa League qualifier West Ham thanks to a genuine skill and nap, with their newly crowned number nine celebrating ahead of a breathtaking St James’ Park. It was almost too good to be true, and so it turned out.
The Magpies let in a lead twice, eventually recording a losing and losing 4-2 defeat. Since Villa are also losing, this clash represents a chance for redemption for both – this is how Steve Bruce can try to lose his previous employers …
With Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow still on the sidelines, Newcastle have some options outside Premier League newcomer Freddie Woodman / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Freddie Woodman (GK) – Despite saving a penalty, the Newcastle academy product saw four goals slip past him on his Premier League debut. But damage to Newcastle’s first and second choice options leaves little choice between the stick.
Emil Krafth (CB) – The flexible Sweden international filled in when needed during the European Championships and will fill a similar defensive stop-gap role in a Newcastle squad so cruel and consistently tormented by injury.
Federico Fernandez (CB) – The unwavering Argentine, who is now starting his fourth season in Tyneside, is the senior figure at the heart of the defense with club captain Jamaal Lascelles without a doubt.
Ciaran Clark (CB) – With a natural left-footed option on the left side of Newcastle’s back-three, Clark is a staple in Newcastle’s defensive back.
Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden will make up two-thirds of the midfield Newcastle distribution this coming weekend / MOLLY DARLINGTON / Getty Images
Jacob Murphy (RWB) – Already halfway to his goal in the previous campaign a game in, Murphy mainly offers pace and a willingness to move forward rather than a persistent threat of points.
Isaac Hayden (CM) – Mission to support Newcastle’s duo up with much more regularity against West Ham than Bruce has previously allowed him. Hayden’s strong run could threaten a Villa back line that withstood a rough opening volley last weekend.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM) – Newcastle’s most used player last semester has been called the team’s bell by Bruce, who told The Chronicle in April: “When he plays well, the team plays well – it’s pretty simple.”
Miguel Almiron (CM) – As eager as he is fast, Newcastle’s lively Paraguayan may have benefited from the extra rest that his country’s group stage exit from this summer’s Copa America provided.
Matt Ritchie (LWB) – No player carried more open crosses into the penalty area for Newcastle last season. Fittingly, Ritchie took the same path to play Murphy for Newcastle’s second afternoon last weekend.
Callum Wilson (left) and Allan Saint -Maximin together for Newcastle’s first Premier League goal / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Allan Saint -Maximin (ST) – Newcastle’s bamboo number ten was at its dizzying best against West Ham. After just 19 league starts last semester, fitness – and perhaps the unique honesty of his Twitter production – is still Newcastle’s only concern with Saint-Maximin.
Callum Wilson (ST) – Fortunately for the Magpies, Wilson can, has and will score against teams other than West Ham. Unfortunately, he has kicked empty in his last five matches against upcoming opponents Aston Villa – the longest such run in his career.
