Aston Villa kick off their Premier League season at home to Newcastle United on August 16, 2025, in a clash between two sides chasing European football again in 2025/26.
Villa were excellent at Villa Park last season, and Unai Emery will want his team to pick up right where they left off. Newcastle, fresh from booking a Champions League spot last season, are chasing a strong start on the opening day after a difficult preseason and transfer window to date.
Villa have added a few fresh faces over the summer with defender Yasin Ozcan coming from Kasimpasa, winger Zepiqueno Redmond joining from Feyenoord, goalkeeper Marco Bizot coming in from Brest and striker Evann Guessand signing from Nice, and they could all play a part here.
Newcastle have also been busy. Antonio Cordero joined from Malaga, Anthony Elanga came in from Nottingham Forest, Seung-soo Park signed from Suwon Bluewings and Aaron Ramsdale arrived on loan from Southampton. Malick Thiaw is also set to be unveiled anytime soon.
However, it’s talk of transfer yet to be completed that has dominated the build-up to this game. Alexander Isak’s future remains unresolved, and Jacob Ramsey has emerged as a Newcastle transfer target just days before he faces the Magpies.
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Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Aston Villa will be without first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is suspended following a red card last season and will return after August 23. New signing Marco Bizot is in line for a Premier League debut.
Morgan Rogers is battling an ankle sprain and faces a late fitness test.
Villa manager Emery will also have to contend without midfielder Ross Barkley and winger Andres Garcia, who are both ruled out due to knocks with no confirmed return dates.
Emery may rely on summer signings to add creativity and attacking threat while Ollie Watkins and John McGinn remain central figures. Jacob Ramsey‘s involvement may be subject to how Newcastle’s reported transfer interest develops.
Aston Villa predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Bizot (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne — Tielemans, Onana — McGinn, Ramsey, Malen — Watkins
Injured: Rogers (ankle), Barkley (knock), Garcia (knock)
Suspended: Martinez
Newcastle will be without midfielder Joe Willock, who is recovering from a calf injury sustained earlier this month, which is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.
Anthony Gordon is also a concern after twisting his ankle on August 9. The forward’s injury was initially feared to be more serious but further assessment revealed a minor issue, which could potentially allow him to play
Alexander Isak is unlikely to feature with the Swedish striker eyeing an exit amid interest from Liverpool. Anthony Elanga should get his competitive debut for the club.
Newcastle United predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento — Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton — Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Injured: Willock (calf), Gordon (ankle, doubt)
Suspended: None
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United match details
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Kickoff time: 12:30 local time / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT
- Location: Villa Park, Birmingham (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- VAR: Peter Bankes
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