After dem finish level on points last season, Aston Villa and Newcastle United go jam for Premier League opening matchday, wey go hold for Villa Park for Saturday early kickoff.
For the second time for three years, both clubs dey start new season by facing each other — and goals dey usually guaranteed.
Match Preview
After dem finish sixth place for league and waka deep for two cup competitions, Aston Villa dey look to build on another solid season as competitive football return this weekend.
Even though some loanees don comot, dem don still hold their main players despite heavy transfer talk, and dem don also add few new recruits to the squad wey reach last season Champions League quarter-finals.
Unai Emery fit dey vex say dem miss immediate return to UEFA top competition after dem lose to Manchester United on Premier League final day, but Villa still get Europa League campaign ahead of them.
Dem start pre-season with consecutive losses, but dem complete unbeaten U.S. tour before dem return West Midlands and hammer Roma 4-0.
Last week, dem wrap up heavy friendly schedule by losing to Marseille but beat Emery old club Villarreal, and now dem dey return Villa Park.
Averaging over two points per league game, Birmingham club lose only once in last six home games last season; indeed, dem dey unbeaten for 21 home games across all competitions, and dem don win all of the last eight.
Dis na their longest home run since mid-1970s, and Villa don also win five of their last six home games against Newcastle, including 4-1 victory for April.
Newcastle United Form
Newcastle go also remember the last time dem give Aston Villa heavy defeat for opening day 2023, as dem stroll 5-1 win for St James’ Park.
For May, Eddie Howe side edge Saturday hosts to place for Champions League this season by goal difference, capping off memorable campaign.
After dem finally end 70-year domestic trophy drought by lifting EFL Cup, Magpies still secure fifth place for Premier League even after losing last two games.
Summer don hard for Tyneside, as plenty transfer targets don go elsewhere, while star man Alexander Isak dey eager to leave.
Newcastle no win any of their friendlies, losing to Celtic, Arsenal, K-League XI, and draw with Espanyol and Tottenham Hotspur. Home loss to Atletico Madrid further affect morale, but precedent dey on their side this weekend.
Newcastle don win league opener for each of last three seasons — more wins than dem get across previous 14 campaigns combined.
Aston Villa pre-season form: D W D W L W
Newcastle United pre-season form: L L L D D L
Team News
Unai Emery fit don lose loanees Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi, but Aston Villa don hold their spine intact despite doubts around key players.
Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers still dey, while Ollie Watkins — top Premier League scorer for Villa last season — dey available. Watkins score for all four top-flight home games against Newcastle, with total seven goal involvements.
Martinez go miss game due to suspension from red card last season; Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia dey injured, while Rogers dey struggle with ankle problem.
Recent signing Evann Guessand fit play for final third, as local lad Jacob Ramsey fit join Saturday visitors.
Newcastle don add Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga, and ex-Milan defender Malick Thiaw to squad, but Alexander Isak — wey score 11 goals in last 13 Premier League away games — still no dey available.
Joe Willock out with Achilles injury, Anthony Gordon need prove fitness. If fit play, him fit act as false nine due to Eddie Howe lack of strikers.
Possible Lineups
Aston Villa: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Malen, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Prediction
Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle United
Both teams dey closely matched for ability and ambition, so we fit expect entertaining contest like recent league meetings.
Villa brilliant home record and Newcastle pre-season struggles go tilt balance to hosts, wey go win by single goal.