Newcastle United and Aston Villa will face off in a pivotal Premier League clash on Boxing Day, with both sides looking to boost their top-four ambitions.
The Magpies, currently sitting 8th in the table, will be aiming to extend their recent run of good form, having won their last two league games 4-0 against Leicester and Ipswich Town.
Manager Eddie Howe will welcome back Joelinton from suspension, but the Brazilian is still recovering from a facial injury.
Key players such as Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined for the hosts. However, striker Alexander Isak, who has scored 10 league goals so far this season, is expected to lead the line, supported by in-form winger Jacob Murphy.
As for Aston Villa, they sit just two points and two places above Newcastle in the standings. Manager Unai Emery has almost a full squad available, with Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey recently returning from injury.
Emery faces a decision up front, with both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, who has four winning goals this season, vying for a starting berth. Midfielders Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Youri Tielemans are likely to provide the foundation for the visitors.
Newcastle possible starting XI: (4-3-3)
Dubravka;
Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall;
Tonali, Guimaraes, Willock;
Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Aston Villa possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1)
Martinez;
Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne;
Kamara, Onana;
McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers;
Duran
The match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to cement their place in the race for European qualification. Fans can expect an intriguing tactical battle between the two managers as they look to gain the upper hand in this crucial Premier League encounter.
