Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Premier League

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Preview

• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
• Kick-off Time: 11:30 am GMT
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham

Matchday one of the 2025/26 Premier League season will include Aston Villa welcoming Newcastle United at the iconic Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. The two clubs have become a force to reckon with in the league in recent seasons and will once again aim for a successful campaign. Fans will be excited to witness their beloved players take to the pitch once again and deliver another nine months of rollercoaster action. The Aston Villa vs Newcastle United promises to be a fascinating encounter between two special squads.

Aston Villa endured an inconsistent run of form during the pre-season matches. Villa managed three wins, two draws, and a defeat in the last six games with an aggregate score of 13-8. Unai Emery, however, will not be too worried about these results as long as he is satisfied with the performances and his tactics for the upcoming season. It has been a modest transfer window for Villa. Consequently, the supporters have been frustrated and have their fair share of doubts regarding their team's chances of finishing in one of the Champions League spots.

It has been an abysmal pre-season for Newcastle United. The Magpies have endured four defeats and two draws in the six friendlies the club has participated in. Newcastle has also not enjoyed the best of times in the summer transfer window. Aaron Ramsdale and Anthony Elanga have been the headliners joining the club, which the fans feel is too uninspiring to support Newcastle's aspiring project, especially with the team set to take part in the Champions League. Eddie Howe has also seen several of his top targets being poached by competitors. To make matters worse, Alexander Isak's future is still up in the air. The directors will be eager to solve these confusions with the onset of the season on the cards.

Aston Villa Team News

Villa's primary goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, will not be a part of the fixture due to a suspension. Emery will also not be able to call upon the services of talented young forward, Morgan Rogers. The Spanish coach is expected to go in with a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Newcastle United Team News

Alexander Isak (Suspended), Anthony Gordon (Ankle Injury), and Joseph Willock (Ankle Injury) will not be able to contribute their services. The Magpies are expected to go in with a 4-3-3 formation. It will be interesting to see whether the new signing, Aaron Ramsdale, gets the nod over Nick Pope.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Predicted Lineups

Here is an overview of the Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Predicted Lineups:

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1)

Goalkeeper: Bizot

Defenders: Rowe, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen

Midfielders: Bailey, Tielemans, Onana, Buendia

Forwards: Jimoh, Watkins

Newcastle United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Pope

Defenders: Trippier, Botman, Lascelles, Livramento

Midfielders: Tonali, Joelinton, Ashby

Forwards: Elanga, Neave, Barnes

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United H2H Record

Overall, in the last five games between the two sides, Aston Villa has won a single encounter, Newcastle has won three, and one game ended in a draw.

Key Players to Watch in Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Ollie Watkins was a subject of interest from many clubs in need of a striker in recent months. However, the 29-year-old looks set to stay at Villa for the 2025/26 season. Watkins has been a consistent source of goals for Aston Villa in the latest campaigns, and recorded 16 goals in the league along with eight assists last season. His leadership at the front is an important part of Aston Villa's game plan, and he will love to begin his campaign with a goal to his name.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

Many football supporters, including those of Newcastle United, had doubts when Sandro Tonali returned to professional football last season after serving a ban. However, the Italian has silenced his critics following a wonderful 2024/25 season. The former Milan man has eased back into Eddie Howe's setup and is once again an indispensable part of the XI. Sandro Tonali will be required to do his usual job from the heart of the midfield against Aston Villa.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Prediction

It is not easy to predict the winner between two richly able sides like Aston Villa and Newcastle United. The visitors enjoy the superiority in the head-to-head record, but Aston Villa will enjoy the home advantage on the opening matchday of the Premier League.

Here is a look at a detailed overview of the Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Prediction.

Predicted Score: Aston Villa 2-2 Newcastle United

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