Aston Villa have won five of their last six home matches against Newcastle, including a 4-1 demolition in April, but have not enjoyed back-to-back victories over the Magpies for 20 years.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United preview
Last season, these two clubs finished level on 66 points, both beating the other by a three-goal margin at home, so who will look stronger as the new season commences?
It has been a frustrating summer for both, with both sets of supporters frustrated by the side's lack of transfer activity. For Aston Villa, they concluded last season with eight wins from ten matches, but missed out on the Champions League on the final day, due to a catastrophic 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United. The Villans, who thereby finished below Newcastle on goal difference, were forced to settle for a Europa League place, which has limited their summer spending.
Ahead of this one, the Claret and Blue Army will be looking to continue their formidable record at Villa Park. After losing their home opener against Arsenal 12 months ago, Unai Emery's team then went the entire rest of the league campaign undefeated at Villa Park, winning 11 of 18 fixtures. Thus, Aston Villa will fancy their chances of starting the new season with a victory.
Newcastle United meantime did pip Villa to Champions League qualification on the final day, having ended their 70 year wait for major silverware by beating Liverpool in the EFL Cup Final. Thus, it was a season of celebration, but a summer of frustration and anger has followed. Eddie Howe has missed out on numerous top targets, while top-scorer and talisman Alexander Isak did not feature at all during pre-season, with the Swede looking to force through a move to Liverpool; the Reds' opening bid of £110 million was rejected, and the Magpies welcome Liverpool to St James' Park on Monday.
Ahead of this opening day fixture, the Toon Army are concerned that, as was the case two seasons ago, their side are ill-equipped to compete both domestically and in the Champions League simultaneously. This, followed by Liverpool's visit to Tyneside next, will certainly test this Newcastle United squad right from day one, so will they leave Villa Park with a positive result?
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 175.
- Aston Villa Wins: 60. Draws: 39. Newcastle United Wins: 76.
Aston Villa team news
Emi Martínez's red card on the final day of last season at Old Trafford means he is suspended here, so Marco Bizot will debut, having arrived from Stade Brestois. Aston Villa's only other signing of note is striker Evann Guessand, who has arrived from Nice, so will he thrown straight in for a debut?
Jacob Ramsey is reportedly on his way from Aston Villa to Newcastle, if you believe everything you read, so it'll be interesting to see if he is involved.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (4-3-3): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Guessand, Watkins.
Aston Villa player to watch vs Newcastle United
Ollie Watkins scored 16 Premier League goals last season, while he's netted during all four appearances against Newcastle at Villa Park, so will he keep that streak going?
Newcastle United team news
As for Newcastle, it'll be interesting to see who is donning the gloves. Aaron Ramsdale has arrived from Southampton, so will he immediately be instated as first-choice, usurping Nick Pope?
Meantime, Anthony Elanga will for certain start on the wing, but will centre-back Malick Thiaw be thrown in for his debut, having joined from AC Milan earlier this week? Lastly, with Alexander Isak still on strike, William Osula will lead the attack, starting a Premier League match for the club for the first time, having made 14 substitute appearances last season, scoring against Ipswich in April.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Schär, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Osula.
Newcastle United player to watch vs Aston Villa
Anthony Gordon scored nine times in all competitions last season, one of which came when Aston Villa visited St James' Park on Boxing Day, so will he be on target in the Midlands this time?
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United prediction
We are backing Aston Villa for victory on the opening weekend, with the mood at Newcastle certainly not great right now, while Villa's quality should see them prevail: Aston Villa 3-1 Newcastle United.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the Premier League on TV channel?
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada
How to watch Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the Premier League on live streaming?
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the Premier League?
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United takes place on Saturday 16 August 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (BST), 7:30 (EDT) & 4:30 (PDT).