After that 4-0 win over IIpswich Town last weekend, few would blame Eddie Howe for keeping the same Newcastle United XI for today's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at St James' Park.

While Villa will be much tougher opponents that Kieran McKenna's side proved, the Magpies continued their recent good form with another strong performance at Portman Road. Howe had been forced into one change, with Joe Willock replacing the suspending Joelinton in midfield, and that again remains the key selection dilemma today.

While the big Brazilian needed stitches following a clash in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Brentford, Joelinton is fit to reclaim his place alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the engine room. However, Willock has shaken off a knock picked up at Ipswich, and his performance in that handsome win means he could well keep his place in the starting line-up.

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One factor could be that Villa are strong in the centre of the park, with Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Amadou Onana a formidable trio. That could mean Joelinton's physical presence may be a deciding element today, with Willock a strong option to change things from the bench.

Elsewhere, Howe must weigh up potential changes with Monday night's game at Manchester United in mind, but is likely to stick with the same side. Martin Dubravka continues for the injured Nick Pope in goal, while Kieran Trippier is an option at right-back should the Newcastle boss decide to freshen up his backline.

Sven Botman could return to the squad but is some way off starting a first-team game, while Harvey Barnes is always a strong candidate for a wide role if Anthony Gordon or the in-form Jacob Murphy are rested.

We'll have full team news at 1.45pm today ahead of the 3pm kick-off, with live updates right here on ChronicleLive.

Predicted Newcastle United XI vs Aston Villa: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Isak.