Team news for Magpies meeting

Ross Barkley and George Hemmings will be assessed ahead of Aston Villa’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United (ko 5.30pm).

Barkley scored twice against Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League in midweek before hobbling off late on.

Fellow midfielder Hemmings missed the encounter altogether at Villa Park as Unai Emery’s side ran out 6-0 victors.

And the pair will both face late fitness tests prior to the trip to St James’ Park this weekend.

Ian Maatsen and Matteo Ruggeri remain sidelined due to injury, along with long-term absentee Amadou Onana.

Manager Emery provided a fitness update at Friday afternoon’s pre-match media conference.

“Ross, we’ll see this afternoon how he’s coming along after the match on Wednesday,” said the Spaniard.

“He played 85 minutes and was with some pain. We’ll check him this afternoon.

“George Hemmings is close to joining us, maybe joining us this afternoon, we’ll see to decide for tomorrow.”