Joelinton captains Newcastle on first start of the season against Villa

Joelinton returns to Newcastle’s starting XI for the first time this season and takes the captain’s armband against Aston Villa. He replaces Jacob Murphy in the only change to the side after coming on as a substitute at Coventry City on Monday night following an injury lay-off.

The Brazilian is joined in midfield by Nico González and Joe Willock. Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa and Matias Fernandez-Pardo lead the attack, with Barnes bringing a strong record against Villa: six goals and four assists in 13 Premier League appearances against them.

Regular captain Dan Burn is among the substitutes after also making his comeback at Coventry. Murphy is there too, alongside Fabian Schär, Aladji Bamba, William Osula, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Touré, Amar Dedić and goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Joelinton described his recent injury setbacks as “really annoying” in Newcastle’s official matchday programme, but said he had worked hard to return and wanted to help the team. His first start of the campaign now comes with the added responsibility of captaining the side.

Newcastle’s starting XI is Lukáš Horníček; Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Lewis Miley; Joelinton, Nico González, Joe Willock; Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa and Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

Villa arrive in 16th place, with five points from six games. They visit Newcastle on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off at 17:30 BST.