Aston Villa bounced back from Steven Gerrard's departure in perfect fashion with a comprehensive win over Brentford in their last outing. Interim boss Aaron Danks took charge of the first-team for their clash with the Bees and transformed a stagnating Villa side into one of potent threat.
Unai Emery will eventually take over the reins at Villa Park, but not until November 1 when he's granted international clearance. It means Danks will once again take charge of the Villains and prepare for their trip to St. James' Park.
It remains to be seen whether the Spaniard - who was once the favourite to take over at St. James' Park - will have much of a say on proceedings. As per Birmingham Live, Danks will be buoyed by the return of Lucas Digne, following an ankle and heel injury but will return to the squad ahead of the trip up north.
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However, Aston Villa club reporter Ashley Preece does not envisage any changes from the side that defeated Thomas Frank's men last week. Danny Ings notched a brace last time out with Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey also on the scoresheet.
All three are expected to start at St. James' this weekend. The Magpies can hope to take advantage of a centre-half pairing of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings, with the latter of the two having struggled this season.
"Digne has completed a full week of training with the group and will return to the squad to face Newcastle United on Saturday," a statement from the club read.
"Kamara hasn't trained with the group yet, but he is back on the grass and moving closer to a return."
Villa will be without Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara, Jed Steer with all three out with long term injuries.
VILLA PREDICTED XI VS NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young; Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz; Watkins, Buendia, Bailey; Ings.
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