Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle - Premier League

For the first time in 18 months, Aston Villa can fill the stands their manager used to sweep in his youth as they host Newcastle United for Saturday's Premier League meeting.

The fans that couldn't wait and made the trip south on the opening weekend of the season saw Villa leave empty handed as Watford held on to earn a 3-2 victory, despite a late surge from the visitors.

Last season began with four consecutive victories and just two goals conceded, so it's now up to Dean Smith to regroup and select a side capable of beating Newcastle - who were also turned over on the opening day.

Here's 90min's predicted Villa lineup...

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle - Premier League

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Emi Martinez (GK) - With success in the Copa America still fresh in Martinez's mind, the Argentine will demand getting back to winning ways with a clean sheet.

Matty Cash (RB) - A year on from his arrival, Cash is likely to experience the roar from Villa Park's Holte End in all its unfiltered glory come Saturday afternoon.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - Given the quality and consistency of his performances in Villa's vastly improved defence over the past year and a half, Konsa can be disappointed with his absence from England's European Championship squad - yet there will be few Aston Villa starting XI's without him this season.

Tyrone Mings (CB) - Even without the armband, Mings carried himself and marshalled his defence with a captain's authority last season. Now the team's official leader, only suspension or injury will restrict his appearances.

Ashley Young (LB) - For the first time in 3.737 days, Young lined up once more for Aston Villa in the Premier League. Yet, following Matt Targett's torrid 45 minutes against Ismaila Sarr, Young's familiarity at left-back could be called upon this weekend.

2. Midfielders

John McGinn (CM) - The tireless heartbeat of Villa's midfield missed just one Premier League match last season - far too many for anyone of a claret and blue persuasion.

Douglas Luiz (CM) - Villa's Brazilian defensive midfielder wasn't risked on Saturday after a jam-packed summer took him to the final of the Copa America and Olympics, but with Morgan Sanson still on the treatment table, Luiz's mini-break may be drawn to a close.

Emi Buendia (AM) - Aston Villa's marquee signing of the summer endured a stuttering start at his new club, failing to create a single chance against Watford. Wearing the number ten vacated by a certain Jack Grealish last season, Buendia cannot afford much adaptation time.

3. Forwards

Anwar El Ghazi (RW) - As Trezeguet continues to nurse a knee injury from the previous campaign, Villa's second-top scorer last season is set to be given a chance to replicate his double figure haul.

Danny Ings (ST) - As consolation goals go, Ings' penalty in the dying minutes of the Watford defeat proved somewhat meaningful, taking away the weight of expectation for any new striker awaiting their maiden goal.

Leon Bailey (LW) - The Jamaican international's cameo last Saturday gave a glimpse of the qualities Bailey can bring to the East Midlands, assisting McGinn within minutes of his arrival after a trademark burst of pace. Could earn him a start here.