Team news: Pope starts and Elanga makes competitive bow in Villa Park opener | OneFootball

Eddie Howe's side open the 2025/26 campaign at Villa Park and the United boss has elected to field Pope - who was handed the number one shirt earlier this week - between the sticks, with summer signing Aaron Ramsdale among the substitutes.

And former Nottingham Forest winger Elanga will line up for his first competitive Newcastle appearance against Unai Emery's men with another of the Magpies' recent recruits, defender Malick Thiaw, also named on the bench.

Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento form the visitors' backline in front of Pope, with Sandro Tonali orchestrating the midfield in between captain Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton.

Elanga and Harvey Barnes will provide an offensive threat from the flanks, with Anthony Gordon expected to play down the middle of the United's attack.

Thiaw could make his bow from the bench if called upon, as could young South Korean winger Seung-soo Park, who is rewarded for some bright pre-season cameos with a place among the substitutes.

Defenders Emil Krafth, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall also included along with goalkeeper Ramsdale, while Lewis Miley is the midfield backup.

Jacob Murphy and Will Osula provide some depth in attack, should Howe choose to call upon them at Villa Park.

Newcastle United: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes.

Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, Emil Krafth, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy, Seung-soo Park, Will Osula.