A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines on Friday, 28 October.
Aaron Danks calls on Aston Villa to relish 'underdogs' challenge at in-form Newcastle
Aston Villa caretaker manager Aaron Danks has urged his players to relish the challenge of facing a 'high-flying' Newcastle United at St James' Park on Saturday.
Newcastle welcome Villa fresh off the back of four wins from their last five, which has seen them climb into the top four.
Danks will take caretaker charge of his second and final game for the Villans, before Unai Emery is installed as Steven Gerrard's successor on November 1. The former England U21 assistant won 4-0 on his debut against Brentford at Villa Park last Sunday to lift his side three points clear of the relegation zone.
The 37-year-old has admitted that Villa will head into the match as 'underdogs', but is hopeful they can replicate many of the qualities shown in their demolition of the Bees.
Aaron Danks' predicted Aston Villa XI ahead of clash with Newcastle United
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.
Eddie Howe outlines Newcastle United contract stance after Miguel Almiron claim
Eddie Howe insists contract talks with his in-form Newcastle United stars will come further down the line as the club focus solely on maintaining recent momentum ahead of the World Cup break.
Reports this week suggested man of the moment Miguel Almiron was in line to receive an improved deal after his stellar start to the season with Newcastle. However, Howe played that down on Friday, admitting no talks had been held with the Paraguayan or any other player of late.
"No, I don't know where that story has come from," he told reporters. "Miggy is someone who I love and respect but no conversations have started between himself and his representatives. We're in a busy spell of games and all discussions about contracts will take place at a later date."
'Should be in the squad': Newcastle striker Callum Wilson feels he deserves World Cup call-up
Callum Wilson is adamant he should earn a place in England's World Cup squad if he keeps fit and maintains his performances. The Newcastle United striker has netted four Premier League goals so far this season, but has also missed four fixtures with a hamstring injury.
Wilson has not been shy it outlining his determination to force his way into Gareth Southgate's thinking for next month's competition in Qatar. The 30-year-old has been capped four times by the Three Lions, but has not represented his country in more than three years with injuries playing their part.
Tottenham star Harry Kane is the undisputed choice to lead the line, but there are a host of strikers vying for a place in the England squad. Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney both earned call-ups to the most recent Nations League squad, although the latter is yet to be handed a cap.
The Unai Emery 'quality' that can improve Newcastle United as Eddie Howe pays tribute
Unai Emery will bring even more quality to the table in the Premier League - according to Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.
The serial trophy winner is likely to be in the stands for Newcastle United's home encounter with Aston Villa on Saturday as he starts to assess the job ahead of him after quitting Villarreal. Howe is full of respect for the man who was wanted as boss at St James' Park only a year ago.
Emery starts his job officially on November 1 and Howe knows he will only make the top-flight stronger. With Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte already on the Premier League's A-list, Emery will bring more star quality to the division.
Tottenham Hotspur whacked with FA fine after player behaviour against Newcastle United
Tottenham Hotspur have been hit with a £20,000 fine after the behaviour of their players against Newcastle United last Sunday.
Spurs stars surrounded referee Jarred Gillett after Callum Wilson chipped Hugo Lloris for a goal that was hotly disputed by the home side. Antonio Conte's men were charged by the FA and accepted the five figure charge.
Twice Tottenham players raced towards Gillett after the initial incident and the subsequent VAR check.
The six Newcastle injury doubts and absences for Eddie Howe to consider ahead of Aston Villa
Eddie Howe could welcome two players back into his Newcastle United squad for the upcoming clash with Aston Villa. The Magpies will be looking to build upon their impressive win at Tottenham and maintain their top-four spot.
Unai Emery has been appointed as Steven Gerrard's successor at Villa Park, and the club registered a thumping 4-0 win over Brentford following the sacking of the Liverpool legend. Emery will not be in charge at St James' Park, and is expected to begin work in the Midlands from November 1.
Howe made one change to his starting eleven for the victory at Tottenham, with Joe Willock taking the place of Jacob Murphy. The Magpies may benefit from the absence of a midweek fixture on the injury front, and these are the six confirmed absentees and doubts facing the head coach.
Eddie Howe's plan for Newcastle United's final 14 days until World Cup starts
Eddie Howe believes that the unprecedented World Cup break in the Premier League should not distract Newcastle United from their rich vein of form.
The Newcastle head coach leads his team into battle against Aston Villa this weekend at St James' Park knowing they can stretch their unbeaten run to eight matches. But before the Premier League splits ahead of the Qatar tournament, Howe knows there are some huge games to consider.
United kick off their pre-World Cup sequence against Villa before next weekend's long trip to Southampton. Newcastle then round off their autumn programme against Crystal Palace in the cup and at home to Chelsea.
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