Jackson signs, Watkins missing – How Aston Villa could start v Newcastle
Aston Villa will be looking to qualify for the UEFA Champions League after narrowly missing out last season.
Unai Emery and Co. will have to put last campaign’s disappointment in the rear-view mirror in what is set to be a pivotal season at Villa Park.
Monchi will be hoping to supply Emery with some extra firepower in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign, with rivals such as Newcastle already spending big so far this summer.
With many key players linked with a move away from the Villans, it could be a new look Villa side under Emery for the start of their Premier League campaign.
Villa News has now predicted how Aston Villa could line up when they host Newcastle United (16 August) in their return to Premier League action.
John to replace Emi Martinez in goal
Emi Martinez is one key player who could exit Villa this summer, with Manchester United persistently linked with the Argentinian shot stopper.
Cashing in on the 32-year-old would help ease any PSR pressure on the club, with Botafogo goalkeeper John potentially becoming Villa’s new number one for next season.
The 29-year-old Brazilian impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer and has caught the eye of multiple Premier League clubs.
With Marco Bizot also being signed, Villa could complete their new look goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.
However, the defence in front of John is likely to be very similar, with Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash starting in a familiar-looking back four.
Alejandro Garnacho to feature out wide in B6
Villa’s midfield will likely continue to be made up of Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers. However, the attacking options could look very different.
After Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford both enjoyed successful stints on loan in Birmingham, the Villa Park faithful would have been hopeful that at least one of them would be returning permanently this summer.
This does not appear to be the case, and after a move for Barcelona winger Ferran Torres did not gain traction, Villa will need to find another option to play out wide under Emery next season.
Alejandro Garnacho is still a key target for Villa, with the winger being frozen out of the first team by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
With the Argentinian winger reportedly keen to play under Emery, Garnacho could be another player who rediscovers his old form by moving to the Midlands.
Nicolas Jackson to replace Ollie Watkins and lead the line
Ollie Watkins has been linked with a Villa exit, with Liverpool reportedly interested in the striker.
The prolific Englishman netted 16 Premier League goals last campaign, but Villa may have already identified his replacement.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson could replace Watkins, with the 24-year-old previously working under Emery at Villarreal.
| Nicolas Jackson | Premier League stats (2024/25 season) |
| Appearences | 30 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 5 |
After bagging 14 goals and registering five assists in his first Premier League campaign, Emery could be the manager to unlock Jackson’s full potential at Villa.
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