Newcastle United are gearing up to face Aston Villa in their first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season, which also includes a return to the Champions League.
The Premier League is back, and fans are hopeful that Eddie Howe’s side can push on after a memorable 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle United finished fifth in the Premier League last term, qualifying for the Champions League on the final day of the season, despite losing to Everton at St James’ Park.
When the fixtures were released, it was clear that Newcastle have a tough start to the Premier League season, with games against Liverpool and Arsenal among their opening six fixtures.
However, Newcastle will be keen to hit the ground running so a poor pre-season can be forgotten. Newcastle were well beaten by Aston Villa in their last visit to Villa Park in April, and while fans will be hoping for a win, their record away to the Villains makes it hard to see the Magpies picking up the three points.
Ian Maatsen scores during a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United’s poor record away at Aston Villa ahead of Premier League opener
Newcastle have a great record in opening games over the last three years, with Howe’s side winning in all of them. Fans will also fondly remember Newcastle’s 5-1 win against Aston Villa on the opening day of the 2023/24 season; hopefully, a similar result will occur on Saturday.
However, the Magpies could be in for a rough day, as their form away to Villa has been poor in recent years. In fact, Newcastle have only won once at Villa Park since 2013.
Their last win away against the Villains came during the 2023/24 season, with Fabian Schar scoring a brace in a 3-1 win. Before that, Newcastle beat Villa 2-1 in September 2013, with Hatem Ben Arfa and Yoan Gouffran getting on the scoresheet.
Newcastle United’s last 10 games at Villa Park
Wins 2
Draws 3
Defeats 5
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Newcastle’s record against Villa at home is brilliant, but it is a completely different story whenever they play away.
Whether Alexander Isak will be involved for Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
A lot of talk this summer has been on the future of Alexander Isak, who has asked to leave Newcastle this summer. Talks between Isak and Howe have happened, but it is clear that no resolution is in sight.
Isak wants to join Liverpool, but Newcastle board members have made it clear to him that he will not be leaving the club. It is tough to see a way back for Isak, and Howe feels the exact same way.
When asked if Isak was going to be a part of the squad travelling to Aston Villa, Howe said: “We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group. I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest.”
“I’d want Alex to be playing today. I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.
“Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa.”