Aston Villa had a rough start after dominating possession but losing 3-2 against Watford. Dean Smith’s side should brush this off fairly easy and be quietly confident of a first victory against Newcastle. Douglas Luiz could return to bolster midfield and if Leon Bailey is given a first start the winger could add extra attacking impetus on the left wing. Steve Bruce’s new attacking intent, on display against West Ham, could also play into Villa’s hands as it did for David Moyes’s side. The continued absences of Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow are not ideal for Newcastle’s chances of a positive result too. Graham Searles
Saturday 3pm
Venue Villa Park
Last season Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 0
Referee David Coote
This season G1 Y3 R0 3 cards/game
Odds H 13-15 A 7-2 D 3-1
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Steer, Davis, Chrisene, Wesley, Philogene-Bidace, Chukwuemeka, Tuanzebe, Hourihane, Guilbert, Hause, Nakamba, J Ramsey, Young, Sanson
Doubtful Douglas Luiz (match fitness), Sanson (knee)
Injured Watkins (knee, 28 Aug), Traoré (hamstring, Sep), Trezeguet (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y1 R0
Form L
Leading scorers Ings, McGinn 1
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Gillespie, Manquillo, Schär, Krafth, Lewis, Hendrick, M Longstaff, Willock, Joelinton, Gayle, Fraser
Doubtful None
Injured Dummett (calf, unknown), Darlow (match fitness, unknown), Dubravka (foot, unknown), Shelvey (calf, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y1 R0
Form L
Leading scorers Murphy, Wilson 1