The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with a huge clash at Villa Park, as Aston Villa host Newcastle United in a match that could set the tone for their campaigns. Both sides finished level on points last season, with Newcastle edging out Villa for a Champions League spot on goal difference. With new signings, key absences, and lofty ambitions, this opening weekend encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 season, finishing sixth and reaching the Champions League quarter-finals. Their home form was a cornerstone of their success, with an unbeaten run of 21 matches across all competitions at Villa Park, including eight consecutive wins. The Villans averaged 5.83 shots on target per home game and boasted a robust defensive unit led by Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres. Ollie Watkins, Villa’s talisman, was lethal, scoring in all four of his Premier League home games against Newcastle, with seven goal involvements in those fixtures.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, meanwhile, secured fifth place last term, capped by an EFL Cup triumph that ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought. However, their pre-season was turbulent, with no wins in six friendlies and ongoing uncertainty surrounding star striker Alexander Isak, who is reportedly keen to leave. Despite new additions like Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw, the Magpies struggled defensively, conceding in clusters during their summer fixtures. Their counter-attacking style, led by the pace of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, remains a potent threat, but cohesion will be tested early.
Team News
Aston Villa
- Emiliano Martínez is suspended following a red card in last season’s final match against Manchester United.
- Morgan Rogers is doubtful with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.
- Ross Barkley and Andrés García are sidelined with minor injuries.
- New signing Evann Guessand could make his debut off the bench, while Marco Bizot is set to start in goal.
Newcastle United
- Alexander Isak is unavailable amid ongoing transfer speculation.
- Joe Willock is ruled out with a calf injury until September.
- Anthony Gordon faces a late fitness test due to an ankle issue.
- Lewis Hall and Sven Botman are doubtful, recovering from long-term injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):
Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Malen, McGinn, Rogers (if fit, else Buendía); Watkins.
Newcastle United (4-3-3):
Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon (if fit, else Barnes), Murphy.
Key Battles and Prediction
Villa’s midfield, driven by John McGinn’s relentless pressing and Boubacar Kamara’s defensive nous, will look to dominate Newcastle’s trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton. Ollie Watkins’ movement against Newcastle’s physical centre-backs, Fabian Schär and Dan Burn, will be crucial, while Donyell Malen’s direct running could exploit Kieran Trippier’s forward surges. Newcastle’s pace on the counter, particularly through Harvey Barnes, poses a threat, but their defensive fragility in pre-season may prove costly.
Villa’s formidable home record and Newcastle’s lacklustre summer tilt the balance toward the hosts. Expect a tight, high-energy contest, with Villa’s attacking fluency and home advantage securing a narrow victory.
