Aston Villa face a tough test this afternoon as they travel to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League.

With Unai Emery confirmed as manager, a role he will officially assume on 1 November, he will wait until next week to oversee his first match, leaving Aaron Danks in charge for one final game.

The 39-year-old will be hoping to build upon last weekend’s emphatic 4-0 win over Brentford, but Villa face a Magpies side who are unbeaten in their last seven.

With injuries and tactical decisions to contend with for this clash, there could be a few changes in personnel to hopefully ensure that another result can be eked out.

Emiliano Martinez will remain in goal as always, with the Argentine having kept just his third clean sheet of the season against the Bees. He will sit behind a slightly-changed back four to cope with the tactical tweaks expected by Danks.

Travelling to St James’ Park is tough for any side, and with Villa not in the best of form, Jan Bednarek could come in to partner Tyrone Mings at the heart of defence.

This will lend itself to a deeper defensive line, with these two centre-backs happy to sit back and clear away danger for the likes of Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings to battle for loose balls further upfield.

It's a change which could see Ezri Konsa drop to the bench. The 25-year-old has been a fine defender for the Midlands outfit, recently being dubbed “outstanding” by Steven Gerrard.

This change would be down to a tactical reshuffle or a rare breather for the former Brentford man, who has started Villa's last ten league games.

Ashley Young could continue to deputise at left-back despite Lucas Digne’s return to fitness, while Matty Cash will occupy the right flank.

The centre of midfield will likely be unchanged, as Leander Dendoncker continues to be favoured over John McGinn to start alongside Douglas Luiz, whilst Buendia will likely thrive once more in the number ten role. Both of these changes were integral in their recent victory over Brentford, with the recalled duo winning seven tackles and 13 duels combined last Sunday.

Only one change is expected to the attacking three behind the main striker, with Philippe Coutinho to return following his stint on the bench.

It might be the impetus to inspure sensational performances out of the £125k-per-week Brazilian once again, with last week’s goalscoring heroes Leon Bailey and Ings occupying the other attacking places.

Predicted Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez - Cash, Bednarek, Mings, Young - Dendoncker, Luiz - Coutinho, Buendia, Bailey - Ings.