Eddie Howe and Unai Emery could be without some key players on Sunday
They are the two sides looking to break down the established hierarchy of the Premier League, but Newcastle United and Aston Villa will be without some important players when they go head to head at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Both Eddie Howe and Unai Emery will have to cope without key men for the clash on Tyneside, with United again dealing with a lack of options at the back.
Newcastle and Villa enjoyed midweek success in Europe, with United beating PSV Eindhoven 3-0 on home soil, while Emery’s men returned from a tricky trip to Turkey with a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce.
That win over PSV saw Bruno Guimaraes limp off in the first half with a swollen ankle, and Howe confirmed on Friday that he was unsure whether the Brazilian would be able to feature against Villa.
The United captain has not been ruled out, but with some huge games on the horizon, he won’t be risked unless he is fully recovered.
Newcastle have been without Dan Burn since the derby defeat to Sunderland in mid-December, but he could make a return this weekend. The England stopper was expected to join in full-contact training on Friday and could be named in the squad, or wait a few more days until PSG on Wednesday.
However, fellow defenders Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento are sidelined for some time, with Schar expected to be out until April after damanging ankle ligaments and undergoing surgery.
The timeline for Livramento is less clear as he recovers from a hamstring problem, but the full-back is still a while away from a potential return.
Swedish defender Emil Krafth (knee) and club captain Jamaal Lascelles have not been able to help during the defensive criris due to injuries, and neither are expected to be involved against Villa.
At the other end of the pitch, Jacob Murphy is again likely to be absent as he rests his troublesome hamstring, although Will Osula is now close to a comeback after several months out with a foot problem.
Villa boss Emery has issues in the middle of the park, with three central midfielders ruled out – and could face a dilemma in goal.
Scotland international John McGinn will miss the game with a knee injury, with the influential midfielder not expected to return until mid-February.
He is joined on the sidelines by Boubacar Kamara, who will miss the rest of the season after damaging his knee.
And Emery confirmed former Chelsea and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley won’t travel, although his knee problems is not expected to keep him out much longer.
In goal, World Cup winner Emi Martinez could return to challenge Marco Bizot for a starting spot. The Argentinian has had a calf problem, but may make the squad, leaving Emery with a dilemma after Bizot performed well in midweek.
Villa do have Leon Bailey back in contention after he returned from a loan spell with Serie A side Roma.
“Leon Bailey, he came back as well, thinking to help us quick,” Emery said. “His adaptation is not necessary. He knows us and he is coming here fit. For Sunday, he is going to be available.”