Aston Villa vs Newcastle Preview – Premier League 2025-26 | Form, Injuries, Lineups & Prediction
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Preview – The Premier League returns to Villa Park as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 season. Villa will be eager to build on last season’s European push, while Newcastle arrive looking to re-establish themselves as a top-six contender despite a disrupted pre-season.
Both managers are dealing with absentees and fitness concerns, making squad selection pivotal. Villa will hand a debut to summer signing Marco Bizot in goal due to Emiliano Martínez’s suspension, while Newcastle’s front line could be without both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Current Form
Aston Villa enjoyed a productive pre-season, mixing strong attacking displays with a few defensive tests. After an opening defeat to Walsall, they demolished Roma 4-0, edged Fiorentina, and wrapped up their preparations with a 2-0 win over Villarreal. The performances of new forward Donyell Malen and the sharpness of Ollie Watkins have given Unai Emery reason for optimism.
Newcastle endured a far more turbulent build-up. Across seven friendlies, they recorded just one win, two draws, and four defeats. Their solitary victory came against Carlisle United, with heavy losses to Celtic and Arsenal denting momentum. A narrow defeat to Atlético Madrid rounded off a pre-season affected by injuries and uncertainty, particularly around Isak’s future.
Head-to-Head Record
Villa have enjoyed recent dominance in this fixture at Villa Park, winning their last three home league meetings with Newcastle without conceding. The Magpies’ last win at Villa Park came in September 2013.
Last five meetings in all competitions:
- Jan 2025 – Newcastle 2-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
- Aug 2024 – Aston Villa 1-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
- Apr 2024 – Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
- Aug 2023 – Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
- Apr 2023 – Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
Injury News & Suspensions
Aston Villa
- Emiliano Martínez – Suspended (red card vs Man United, final day of last season)
- Ross Barkley – Doubtful (knock)
- Andrés García – Doubtful (unspecified)
- Morgan Rogers – Doubtful (ankle injury vs Roma)
Newcastle
- Joe Willock – Out (calf injury, first month of season)
- Alexander Isak – Unavailable (future uncertainty)
- Anthony Gordon – Doubtful (ankle, late fitness test)
- Lewis Hall – Doubtful (foot injury)
- Sven Botman – Doubtful (unspecified)
Injury Summary Table
| Team | Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Emiliano Martínez | Suspended | Red card on final day of 24/25 season |
| Ross Barkley | Doubtful | Knock | |
| Andrés García | Doubtful | Unspecified injury | |
| Morgan Rogers | Doubtful | Ankle injury vs Roma, may feature | |
| Newcastle | Joe Willock | Out | Calf injury, out for first month |
| Alexander Isak | Unavailable | Ongoing future uncertainty | |
| Anthony Gordon | Doubtful | Ankle injury vs Atletico Madrid | |
| Lewis Hall | Doubtful | Foot injury, recovering | |
| Sven Botman | Doubtful | Unspecified injury |
Manager Quotes
Unai Emery has stressed the importance of making Villa Park a fortress again and integrating new signings quickly. Eddie Howe has admitted his squad is “light in some key areas” for the opener but remains confident in the side’s ability to adapt.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-3-3)
Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans; Malen, Watkins, Rogers
Newcastle United (4-3-3)
Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Tactical Preview & Key Battles
Villa will look to control possession through their midfield trio, with Kamara shielding the defence and McGinn driving forward. Malen’s direct running on the wing will aim to disrupt Newcastle’s full-backs, while Watkins’ movement can pull centre-backs out of position to create space for runners. Bizot will need to be alert in his Premier League debut, especially against Newcastle’s set-piece threat.
Newcastle will seek to exploit transitions, using the pace of Barnes and possibly Gordon to attack Villa’s defensive line. Without Isak, Howe may use Joelinton centrally, supported by late runs from midfield. Their pressing in midfield, led by Tonali and Guimarães, will be key in stopping Villa from building play comfortably.
Key Battles
- Watkins vs Schär/Burn – Villa’s striker against Newcastle’s physical central pairing.
- Kamara vs Guimarães – Battle for midfield control and defensive cover.
- Malen vs Trippier – Direct running against an experienced defender who likes to push forward.
- Set Pieces – Both teams carry aerial threats that could be decisive.
Predicted Scoreline
Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle
Villa’s home advantage and sharper pre-season may give them the edge in possession, but Newcastle’s pace on the counter could earn them a point.
Possible scorers: Watkins (Villa), Gordon (Newcastle)
Where to Watch
UK: Sky Sports Premier League
USA: NBC Sports, Peacock
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