Ollie Watkins To Start? | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Starting Lineup Vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

Aston Villa and Newcastle United are going to face each other on 16 August at Villa Park, which will be their first match of the Premier League 2025/26 season. Villa have performed steadily in the last few years and finished sixth in the table last season. Unai Emery’s team will be playing in the UEFA Europa League as well, and that should have boosted the team’s confidence.

Unai Emery would like to make a strong start in front of the home crowd in this match. Last season, Villa defeated several big clubs and proved that they can compete with the top six. Now, at the start of the new season, the challenge before them will be to maintain the same rhythm. Let’s take a look at what starting XI they might field against Newcastle United.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Starting Lineup Against Newcastle United:

Defense

In Emery’s 4-2-3-1 system, Marc Bizot is expected to play the role of goalkeeper, whose stability on the goalpost will give confidence to the players. The presence of Matty Cash on the right flank will be important in both offensive and defensive transitions. Ezri Konsa will control the game with calmness and accuracy with his passing in the center back position, while Tyrone Mings will give an added edge in aerial balls with his height and strength.

On the left flank, Lucas Digne will be responsible for providing width in attack along with defensive solidity. This backline will be completely focused on stopping Newcastle’s fast transitions.

Midfield

The possible combination of Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans will inject balance in the midfield. Kamara’s job will be to break up opposition attacks and provide the proper forward passes. Tielemans will be looking to impose himself on the game with his passing range and start offensive moves.

In the forward line, John McGinn will be given a central role, who will contribute to both attack and defence with his work ethic and energy on the field. This midfield trio will try to maintain control in the middle of the field, so that the attack gets more opportunities.

Attack

WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

In the forward line, Donyell Malen will create a threat from the right flank through his pace and dribbling skills. On the left, Morgan Rogers will challenge the opposition defence with his creativity and inch-perfect crossing abilities.

In the centre, Ollie Watkins will, as usual, play the role of the main striker, who will find goal opportunities with his pace and finishing ability. This attacking trio will look to keep the Newcastle defence under constant pressure. Emery will hope that his attacking setup can please the home crowd and secure the three points in the opening game.