Key events
Villa make four changes to their starting line-up in the wake of their brave but ultimately futile 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. Ian Maatsen, who nearly saved the day with a volley blocked on the line deep in injury time, is rewarded for his efforts with a start, along with Tyrone Mings, Marco Asensio and Ollie Watkins. Lucas Digne, Marcus Rashford and Amadou Onana drop to the bench, while Pau Torres misses out altogether.
Newcastle meanwhile are in If It Ain’t Broke mode. They thumped Crystal Palace 5-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday, so name exactly the same starting XI.
The teams
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Asensio, Rogers, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Disasi, Barkley, Rashford, Digne, Garcia, Malen, Onana, Ramsey.
Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
Subs: Dubravka, Wilson, Gordon, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Willock, Longstaff, Miley.
Preamble
Both of these famous old clubs really enjoyed their recent taste of Champions League football; both of these famous old clubs fancy some more. It’s third versus seventh with five points between them and fifth place at the very least the goal. And if that doesn’t whet the appetite enough, Villa have won nine of their last ten in all competitions, while Newcastle are on a six-game winning tear that includes the claiming of their first domestic trophy in 70 years. This promises to be a cracker. Buckle up! Or buckle in. Probably best to do both. Kick-off is at 5.30pm BST. It’s on!