Steve Bruce rules four Newcastle players out of Aston Villa clash

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Steve Bruce has told Newcastle United’s pre-Aston Villa press conference – as per the Chronicle – that four first-team players will be missing ahead of Wednesday evening’s Premier League clash.

The Toon returned from the break with a stunning 3-0 win over Sheffield United, thanks to goals from Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie and Joelinton – the latter ending a league drought that saw him last score in August.

Opening up a very healthy gap between themselves and the relegation zone of 11 points, sitting in a comfortable 13th place. Now, they have the chance to make it six points from six, with a clash against struggling Aston Villa.

The Midlands side will be well up for the clash, given they sit in the bottom three and are running out of games. Bruce has ruled both Longstaff brothers, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune will miss the match.

“Matty Longstaff trained yesterday but Sean Longstaff still has a niggle. Florian Lejeune back on grass but Ciaran Clark a bit sore after ankle operation,” Bruce said.

TBR’s view – Bruce unlikely to make changes

His tactics worked perfectly against Sheffield United, though the goals did come after the major turning point of John Egan’s red card. They were solid, but dangerous on the attack.

Another goal for the in-form Saint-Maximin and Joelinton will be full of confidence after netting his second Premier League strike. The Toon will go into the match as favourites, for sure.