Newcastle United's 2025-26 season gets under way with today's Premier League clash at Villa Park
General view from inside corner of Villa Park
Newcastle get their 2025-26 season under way at Aston Villa today
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The talking stops - sort of - as Newcastle United's season begins at Villa Park today following a turbulent summer. Eddie Howe has managed to keep a calm hand on the tiller despite transfer setbacks and the ongoing issue of Alexander Isak's push for a move away.
It means the Swede is not available for today's game, with Joe Willock also ruled out through injury. It's a tough start for the Magpies against Aston Villa, with Liverpool up next at St James' Park.
But Howe has three new signings in his squad - Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw - with Jacob Ramsey expected to join the squad following today's game.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the big Premier League opener.
When is Aston Villa vs Newcastle United?
The match gets under at 12.30pm today, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Villa Park. It is the first of five Premier League fixtures today.
How can I watch Aston Villa vs Newcastle United?
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports today, with coverage getting under way at 11am.
How else can I follow Aston Villa vs Newcastle United?
Chronicle Live will be in attendance to bring you live updates throughout the match. We have all the build up, team news, match analysis and reaction as it happens in our matchday live blog.
How can I watch Aston Villa vs Newcastle United highlights?
Brief highlights will be available on YouTube via Newcastle United, TNT Sports and Sky Sports around an hour after the final whistle. Extended highlights will be shown on Match of the Day on BBC One tonight, starting at 10.20pm with host Mark Chapman and experts Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United team news
Newcastle will be without the injured Joe Willock, while Alexander Isak is not available due to his wish to leave the club this summer.
However, Howe will include new signings Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale in his squad, along with Sven Botman and Lewis Hall, who have continued their recovery from injury over the summer. Anthony Gordon is expected to lead the line, with Elanga the most likely of the new signings to start.
Aston Villa are without suspended goalkeeper Emi Martinez and the injured Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia, but Morgan Rogers is fit.
Newcastle United's next five fixtures
August 25: Newcastle vs Liverpool (Premier League, 8pm, St James' Park)
August 30: Leeds United vs Newcastle (Premier League, 5.30pm, Elland Road)
September 13: Newcastle vs Wolves (Premier League, 3pm, St James' Park)
September 16-18: Champions League matchday one (TBC)
September 20: Bournemouth (Premier League, 3pm, Vitality Stadium)
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United referee
Craig Pawson is the referee for today's game, the first time he has taken charge of United since the 1-1 draw at Brighton at the end of last season.
This weekend's Premier League fixtures
TODAY
Aston Villa vs Newcastle (12.30pm)
Brighton vs Fulham (3pm)
Tottenham vs Burnley (3pm)
Wolves vs Manchester City (5.30pm)
SUNDAY
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (2pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (2pm)
Manchester United vs Arsenal (4pm)
MONDAY
Leeds United vs Everton (8pm)
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