Alejandro Garnacho and Jack Grealish sign – How Aston Villa could start v Newcastle
Unai Emery will kickstart his Premier League season as Aston Villa prepare to welcome Newcastle United on opening day.
The Premier League have announced that the Villans will begin their campaign at Villa Park for the first time in 15 years, to face the Magpies on Saturday, 16 August.
This will see the Spanish head coach begin his third full season in the Midlands, with the hopes of securing Champions League football after missing out last time out.
In order to do so, Monchi will be keen on adding to the squad and building a side ready to fight on all fronts in the coming months.
With that in mind, Villa News has now predicted how Aston Villa could line up on opening day as they welcome Newcastle United.
Lucas Chevalier to replace Emi Martinez at Aston Villa
There are strong rumours swirling around B6 which could spell bad news for the future of Emi Martinez in the West Midlands.
The Argentina international has been strongly linked with a move away, with Manchester United reportedly keen on his services.
This could see Chevalier come in from Lille as a replacement after a stellar few seasons as number one in Ligue 1.
| Stat | Lucas Chevalier |
| Appearances | 127 |
| Goals conceded | 127 |
| Clean sheets | 44 |
That sizable change in between the sticks could see Emery maintain a settled defensive line with Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash potentially set to keep their spots alongside Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa.
Grealish could make Aston Villa return from Manchester City
There is little need for change at the base of midfield for the Villans after the successes of last campaign in B6.
This could see Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans start once again as a duo in claret and blue, ready for the clash against the Magpies.
As a result, Amadou Onana could remain on the bench despite his heroics as Eddie Howe’s side fell to a 4-1 defeat last time out.
This pairing could then be joined by the returning Grealish in the number 10 position at Aston Villa, as he continues to be linked with a move from Manchester City.
It is fair to say that this would help create a dynamic midfield, which could make Emery’s side extremely dangerous on the counter.
Alejandro Garnacho could complete Aston Villa forward line
After losing Marcus Rashford, there is likely to be a need for new forward options in the Midlands coming into the new season.
This could see Garnacho come in from Manchester United, as a departure from Old Trafford looks increasingly likely this summer.
The Argentina international could come in and link up with someone like Morgan Rogers, despite his links away to Chelsea.
This attacking pairing could prove to be a perfect duo to compliment Ollie Watkins who could be set to kickstart a sixth season at Villa Park.