Aston Villa v Newcastle

Gary Speed is suspended and looks like being replaced by Jermaine Jenas, after Hugo Viana sustained a shoulder injury in training.

Sir Bobby has decided not to blood a new partnership up front ahead of the trip to Barcelona, so Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer will definitely start.

At the back Titus Bramble has not travelled with the squad, but Aaron Hughes has recovered from a virus and may return ahead of Andy O’Brien or Olivier Bernard.

For Villa Olof Mellberg will replace the suspended Steve Staunton and Mark Kinsella will deputise for thigh strain victim Ian Taylor.

Squads

Aston Villa: Enckelman, Postma, Samuel, Mellberg, Johnsen, Barry, Leonhardsen, Hendrie, Taylor, Kinsella, Hitzlsperger, Dublin, Vassell, Angel, Allback De La Cruz, Hadji.

Newcastle: Given, Harper, Griffin, Hughes, Elliott, Bernard, O'Brien, Dabizas, S Caldwell, Dyer, Solano, Robert, Jenas, Acuna, McClen, Shearer, Bellamy, Ameobi, LuaLua.