Lineups, team news, confirmed starting teams as fight for top five heats up

18 1 minute read

Lineups, team news, confirmed starting teams as fight for top five heats up

The fight for a top-five finish intensifies as two of the teams vying for a Champions League spot next season go head to head in the West Midlands.

Aston Villa entertain a Newcastle team in scintillating form. The Magpies have sustained the momentum from their EFL Cup triumph, winning their last six games in a row – the latest victory being a 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

But Villa, who boast a record of 18 competitive home games without defeat – will likely prove a stern test for Eddie Howe’s men.

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Despite Unai Emery’s side being eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of PSG in midweek, the manner of their exit – a stirring fightback from 2-0 down to beat the Ligue 1 champions 3-2 on the night – was telling of the quality the Spanish coach has cultivated during his time at Villa Park.

Read on to see how the two teams line up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Aston Villa team news

Emery makes four changes from the team that started against PSG on Tuesday.

Ollie Watkins is preferred to Marcus Rashford up front, while Tyrone Mings replaces Pau Torres, Lucas Digne makes way for Ian Maatsen, and Marco Asensio is handed a start in place of Amadou Onana.

Today’s lineup — UP THE VILLAAA 🗣️ #AVLNEW pic.twitter.com/tfQHYxcwJJ

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025

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Newcastle team news

Newcastle name the same starting XI for the seventh consecutive game.

Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy’s fine recent form make them two of the Magpies’ danger men. Alexander Isak leads the line in attack, while Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes make up the visitors’ engine room.