Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are the main striker options, but both have found life difficult domestically.
Since Wissa made his debut after recovering full fitness, Newcastle have lacked a consistent focal point up front. He has managed just one goal in the top flight so far, while Woltemade has scored in only one of his past 14 games – a brace in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Wissa was impressive on his Champions League debut in midweek, grabbing a goal and an assist in the win over PSV, and could earn another start this weekend as a result.
Could Eddie Howe potentially pair the duo in an attempt to spark them both into life? At this stage, it appears unlikely. Remarkably, of the 268 minutes Wissa has played in the Premier League for Newcastle so far, Woltemade has been on the pitch for none of them.
Villa face critical moment as midfield falls apart
After the week they have endured, it feels as though Villa’s campaign has reached a defining stage.
Not only will they be without the imperious Kamara for the foreseeable future, but captain and driving force John McGinn is also facing a spell on the sidelines after his injury against Everton.
Amadou Onana returned as a substitute against Fenerbahce on Thursday but the lack of midfield options appears to be having a knock-on effect in attack too. Morgan Rogers had six shots against Everton, his most in a game for Villa without scoring, and he has now had more shots than any player (15) since Christmas without a goal.
Villa had scored in 10 consecutive Premier League games before travelling to Crystal Palace. They have now failed to score in their last two and the sale of Donyell Malen leaves Ollie Watkins as the only senior striker.
Even with a fully-fit squad, Villa do not relish trips to Newcastle. The Magpies have not lost to Villa in their last 17 home league meetings, winning the last four at St James’ Park by an aggregate score of 13-1.
