The Matchday 1 clash in the Premier League between Aston Villa and Newcastle will take place on August 16 at Villa Park in Birmingham. Aston Villa vs. Newcastle: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has been at the helm of this club for three years, and under his guidance, the Birmingham side has never finished below 7th place. The best season was 2023/24, where the team finished 4th and secured a spot in the Champions League. There was a chance to qualify for the elite European competition this year too, but in the final round of the last Premier League campaign, Aston Villa unexpectedly lost to an unmotivated Manchester United and finished only 6th, which led them to the main draw of the Europa League. It's worth noting that last season, the Birmingham side suffered only one home defeat, sharing the best home record in the Premier League with Liverpool. Over the summer, the club played 8 friendly matches, winning only 3 (2 draws and 3 losses).
During the transfer window, the club invested in signing forward Evan Hesson and defender Yasin Ozcan.
- The Birmingham side has won 8 of their last 10 Premier League matches.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 9 of Aston Villa's last 10 league games.
- The club is on a 5-match winning streak at home in the Premier League.
Predicted lineup for Aston Villa (4-3-3)
Marco Bizot – Pau Torres, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Ian Maatsen – John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana – Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is suspended for this match. Midfielder Ross Barkley, forward Morgan Rogers, and defender Andres Garcia may miss the game due to injuries.
Newcastle
Under Eddie Howe's management, the club has qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. Last season, the team qualified for the elite European tournament by finishing 5th. It wasn't without some luck, as the club lost their last two matches, but main competitors Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest failed to capitalize on Newcastle's slip-ups, both losing their final Premier League games. Notably, last season, the club was fourth in the Premier League for goals scored (68). Interestingly, Newcastle did not win any of their 6 summer friendlies (2 draws and 4 losses).
During the off-season, forward Callum Wilson, defenders Lloyd Kelly and Jamal Lewis, and midfielder Sean Longstaff left the club. However, they strengthened with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and forward Anthony Elanga.
- In their last 24 Premier League matches, the club has drawn only once (15 wins and 8 losses).
- No more than three goals have been scored in Newcastle's last five league matches.
- The team did not score in the second half in 7 of their last 10 away Premier League games.
Predicted lineup for Newcastle (4-5-1)
Nick Pope – Sven Botman, Valentino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles – Anthony Elanga, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Harrison Ashby, Anthony Gordon – Harvey Barnes.
Midfielder Joseph Willock will miss the match due to injury. Forward Alexander Isak will also not play as he no longer wishes to represent the club.
Referee
Craig Pawson (England)
Matches – 22 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 93;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 23%.
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle: Match Prediction
The current form of the visitors raises concerns, as after two defeats in the final rounds of the last Premier League season, the team did not win any of their friendlies. Moreover, Newcastle is without center-forwards: Callum Wilson has left, and Alexander Isak is sidelined due to a conflict with the club. Meanwhile, Aston Villa has no squad issues and is eager to perform well in the league and qualify for the Champions League again.
Aston Villa is very strong at home. In the last Premier League season, the team lost only their first home game to a strong Arsenal side, after which they went on a long unbeaten run. Also noteworthy is the head-to-head record in the league – in the last 6 encounters at Villa Park, Newcastle won 5 times, suffering only one defeat.
My prediction – Aston Villa to Win
