Rogers to start, Emery hands out debut: Aston Villa predicted XI vs Newcastle
Aston Villa are set to open their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Villans will welcome Eddie Howe’s side to Villa Park on 16 August in the hope of beginning the new season with three points.
With that in mind, Unai Emery has a number of selection dilemmas on his hands, especially after a general lack of summer transfer business at this stage.
As a result, supporters will await the starting lineup in B6, with many hopeful of Morgan Rogers returning from injury to start against the Magpies.
Emery to hand out first Aston Villa start
There were always going to be raised eyebrows as the new year of action for the claret and blue outfit began, with Emi Martinez unable to start against Newcastle.
Having been sent off on the final day of last season against Manchester United, the Argentina international will sit out the opening day.
As a result, Marco Bizot will likely come in for his Villa debut, having signed from Brest earlier on in the window.
| Stat (Ligue 1 24/25) | Marco Bizot |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Clean sheets | 10 |
| Accurate long balls | 255 |
| High claims | 33 |
The Dutchman could be joined by a stable back four in the shape of Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash, something which can only be a boost for the keeper.
Ahead of this defensive bank, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara also look set to reprize their partnership to begin opening day in positive fashion.
Rogers could start vs Newcastle after injury
The forward line in B6 also looks likely to have a familiar feel to last season, despite the signing of Evann Guessand from OGC Nice.
Having only made two pre-season appearances for the Villans, it may prove to be wise to introduce the Ivory Coast international from the bench.
This could see Rogers start despite picking up an injury against Roma, something which has allowed Emi Buendia to flourish this summer.
- Rogers went off after just six minutes in Walsall
- Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba replaced the England international
- Since then, Buendia has been superb and caught the eye of Villa fans
- The Argentine will be hopeful of remaining at Villa Park for the new season
Emery then has a decision to make out wide, with John McGinn potentially set to start, while Jacob Ramsey looks set to join Newcastle ahead of the clash.
On the opposite flank, Donyell Malen could be deployed as he looks to begin his first full campaign with a bang after a superb pre-season.
Another man coming off the back of an excellent run of friendly form is Ollie Watkins, and he will be keen to begin the new season with a goal.
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