Eddie Howe grateful for Unai Emery’s decision to turn down Newcastle job
Eddie Howe, the current manager of Newcastle United, has expressed his gratitude towards Unai Emery for turning down the job offer from the club’s new ownership regime. Howe acknowledged that Emery’s decision not to leave Villarreal for Tyneside was a massive career break for him. He stated that fate has a strange way of working and that he is delighted that Emery made that decision.
Newcastle United will face Aston Villa in an intriguing top-flight encounter at Villa Park. The Magpies are currently in third place and looking set to qualify for next season’s Champions League, having won their past five consecutive games. Meanwhile, Aston Villa is unbeaten in six and has won their past four games. Under Unai Emery, qualification for the Europa League looks eminently possible for resurgent Villa, and a win against Newcastle could set their sights even higher.
Team News
Leander Dendoncker will replace Leon Bailey for Aston Villa, while Anthony Gordon will start in place of Sean Longstaff for Newcastle United. Callum Wilson is unlikely to be pleased with a place among the substitutes, with Alexander Isak getting the nod up front. Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho, and Boubacar Kamara remain sidelined for Aston Villa, while Leon Bailey has been ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury. Emil Krafth remains out with an ACL injury, while Allan St Maximin is expected to miss the next few weeks with a hamstring injury. Miguel Almiron may return this afternoon after five weeks out with a thigh injury.
In conclusion, the match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the Premier League’s up-and-coming forces. Eddie Howe is grateful for Unai Emery’s decision not to take the job, which has given him the opportunity to manage Newcastle United. Both teams are on a charge up the table and will be looking to secure a win to boost their chances of qualifying for European competitions.
Keywords: Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Eddie Howe, Unai Emery, Premier League, Europa League, Champions League, team news.