Forget Fernandez-Pardo, 'outstanding' player holds key to Newcastle beating Aston Villa

Matias Fernandez-Pardo's Newcastle United career is yet to take off after his £51million move from Lille during the summer.

Zero goals and zero assists in five appearances has left supporters wondering if he was worth the money, or if he's simply finding his feet.

The general consensus is that Matthias Jaissle is doing very little to help, playing him as an out-and-out centre-forward rather than in a more creative role.

Many have suggested that he would be better suited to a left-wing role at St James' Park, allowing him to cut inside and make space for the high-flying Lewis Hall.

There are no signs of anything changing just yet, even with a huge clash against Aston Villa on the horizon on Saturday, 17 October.

Victory could potentially see the Magpies move into a European spot should all other results go in their favour. Luckily for Jaissle, he has a not-so-secret weapon.

Harvey Barnes loves playing Aston Villa

Harvey Barnes already has three goals and two assists in his first eight games of the 2026-27 campaign, but his displays have been inconsistent.

That is likely more to do with the team, rather than his own performances, but facing the Villans will be the perfect opportunity for him to change that.

History often speaks for itself. And in 17 games against Villa, the 28-year-old winger, dubbed "outstanding" by Eddie Howe [The Guardian], has 12 goal contributions.

Of course, some of these date back to his Leicester City days, but there is absolutely no doubt that this is one of his favourite opponents to face.

Unai Emery's side will be high off their thrashing of Fenerbahce, but it is imperative that Newcastle get back to winning ways after the defeat to Coventry City.

Which Newcastle players should be axed?

As discussed Fernandez-Pardo has failed to hit the expected heights early on. With Will Osula returning to the squad last weekend, he could take the striker spot.

In the 4-1 defeat to Coventry, Jacob Murphy was simply atrocious, being hooked before the hour mark, so it would be a surprise to see him start.

With Joe Willock also struggling, fans would love to see Lewis Miley in his natural position, and that could now be possible with Amar Dedic returning from injury.

Jaissle could make multiple changes, and if he doesn't make the ones that supporters want to see, he could be in a lot of trouble at St James' Park.