Aston Villa v Newcastle match preview
Aston Villa welcome Newcastle to Villa Park in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off, with both clubs aiming to make a strong start in the battle for the top four.
Last season, the two sides finished level on points, but Newcastle claimed the final Champions League spot thanks to a goal difference advantage of 14 over Villa.
Unai Emery’s side had to settle for Europa League football, while Eddie Howe’s men booked their place among Europe’s elite.
With both expected to be direct rivals again this campaign, the clash already carries the weight of a potential six-pointer.
Newcastle are missing last season’s top scorer, Alexander Isak, who is in a standoff with the club amid transfer interest from Liverpool. Villa could also see a star player head to the opposition, with midfielder Jacob Ramsey attracting formal interest from the Magpies.
Aston Villa v Newcastle team news
Villa have dipped into the market to sign French striker Evann Guessand from Nice for £30.5m, and the 24-year-old could make his debut from the bench.
However, Unai Emery will be without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who serves a one-match suspension after a red card against Manchester United in May. Morgan Rogers is a doubt, while Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia remain sidelined through injury.
For Newcastle, record summer arrival Anthony Elanga (£55m from Nottingham Forest) and defender Malick Thiaw (£34.3m from AC Milan) are both pushing for starts.
Isak’s absence is the big talking point, with Joe Willock also out for another month due to a calf problem. Despite ankle concerns, Anthony Gordon is expected to be fit.
Aston Villa v Newcastle expected line-ups
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans ; Bailey, McGinn, Buendia; Watkins.
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tonali; Gordon, Barnes, Elanga.
How to watch Aston Villa v Newcastle: TV channel, online stream
The match kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, August 16 at Villa Park.
It will be available to watch on TNT Sports in the UK
The stats for Aston Villa v Newcastle
- Newcastle have the upper hand in the last five meetings, winning three to Villa’s one, with one draw
- Villa’s last home game against Newcastle ended in a 4-1 win for Emery’s men
- Newcastle have managed just one victory at Villa Park in the past 11 years
- Villa are unbeaten at home since October 2024
- Newcastle failed to win any of their six pre-season games, losing four
Aston Villa v Newcastle prediction
Villa’s excellent home record and Newcastle’s lacklustre pre-season – compounded by Isak’s absence – tilt the balance toward the hosts. However, Eddie Howe’s side still carry attacking threats and could make it a tight contest.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle
