Aston Villa entertain Newcastle in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off and ahead of the game, we’ve got the latest team news and predicted lineups.
Unai Emery’s team will kick-start their Premier League campaign with a visit from another European qualification contender in Newcastle, as both sides look to move on from sub-par transfer windows.
The Villains ended last season in sixth and are now one of the favorites to win the Europa League on UK betting sites, as they enter European competition for a third consecutive year.
Unai Emery has not been able to strengthen his squad as much as he would have liked, bringing in just two additions – Evann Guessand from Nice and Yasin Ozcan from Kasimpasa.
Two important players from last year have also not been signed on a permanent basis, as Marcus Rashford headed to Barcelona for the 2025/26 season and Marcos Asensio returned to PSG.
As for Newcastle, the summer window has been nothing short of disappointing and star man Alexander Isak, has been one of the main talking points.
The Swedish international has requested a move away from Tyneside and refused to train with the club ahead of the upcoming season, in hopes of completing a switch to Liverpool.
Eddie Howe has added some quality to his side, bringing in Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale, while also closing in on a move for Aston Villa star – Jacob Ramsey.
It’s unlikely that Ramsey will be donning the jersey of either team on Saturday afternoon, however, he is sure to get a frosty reception if he is in attendance.
You can find a full bet builder for Aston Villa vs Newcastle here, with Morgan Rogers looking to be the hero for the home side on Saturday afternoon.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Team News and Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa Team News
The Villains have managed to keep a hold of their star players this summer, with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers both looking likely to stay this season.
However, Unai Emery will be without his number one shot-stopper as Emiliano Martinez will serve his one match suspension for a poor red card in the final league game against Manchester United last season.
Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia are also set to miss out through injury, while Morgan Rogers will undergo a late fitness test as he nears a return from injury.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Bizot
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne
Kamara, Tielemans
Malen, McGinn, Rogers
Watkins
Newcastle Team News
Eddie Howe will not be able to call upon Alexander Isak for the opening game of this season, as the Swedish star has refused to compete for the Magpies this season.
Summer signing, Anthony Elanga, is expected to start in the front three, but Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw are unlikely to make their competitive debut.
Joe Willock will miss the match through injury, as he continues to recover from an Achilles problem and Anthony Gordon will be judged before kick-off to see if he is fit enough.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Pope
Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento
Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton
Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
