Newcastle name wonderkid in squad to face Aston Villa in Alexander Isak's absence

Nick McGee

Newcastle name wonderkid in squad to face Aston Villa in Alexander Isak's absence image

Newcastle United have unsurprisingly elected to play with a false nine in Alexander Isak's absence at Aston Villa, with Anthony Gordon starting up front and winger Anthony Elanga making his full Premier League debut for the club. 

Isak remains on strike as he attempts to force a move to Liverpool, with the impasse surrounding the Magpies' talisman leaving Newcastle short of options at the heart of their attack.

Gordon will lead the line either side of Elanga and Harvey Barnes, but the stand-off with Isak has also handed a potential opportunity to another new signing in teenager Park Seung-soo. 

The South Korean joined Newcastle from Suwon Bluewings last month despite reported interest from Bayern Munich.

Park subsequently impressed in pre-season, serving as a bright spot for Newcastle in a difficult summer, with his performances earning the 18-year-old a place on the bench.

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What about Newcastle's other new signings?

In addition to Elanga and Park, Newcastle have also signed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton and centre-back Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. Their first signing of the summer, Antonio Cordero, was sent on loan to Belgian side Westerlo. 

Ramsdale is on the bench, with Nick Pope retaining his place in goal, while Thiaw is also among the substitutes having only completed his move from San Siro this week.

Newcastle face Villa with midfielder Jacob Ramsey set to join Eddie Howe's side from the Midlands club, while striker Yoane Wissa also expected to arrive from Brentford in the coming days.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Barnes, Gordon, Elanga.

Subs: Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Krafth, Osula, Murphy, Seung-soo, Miley, Ramsdale

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Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.