Aston Villa welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park on Saturday, 16 August 2025, for a Premier League clash that opens the 2025/26 season. Kick-off is set for 12:30 BST in Birmingham, where both sides will aim to begin their campaigns on a positive note. This meeting is part of Round 1 in England’s top flight and offers an early opportunity for fans and football betting followers to assess both teams.

The standings show Aston Villa in third position at the start of the season, with Newcastle United beginning in fifteenth place. Last season, Newcastle recorded a slightly higher average rating of 6.97 compared to Villa’s 6.90. Aston Villa scored 58 goals and conceded 51, an average of 1.5 scored and 1.3 conceded per game. Newcastle netted 68 goals, conceding 63, for an average of 1.8 goals scored and 1.7 conceded.

In attacking play, Villa averaged 4.5 shots on target per match and created 3.0 big chances per game. Newcastle registered 4.2 shots on target with 2.0 big chances. Possession was close, with Villa at 50.6 per cent and Newcastle at 51.1 per cent. While Villa created more clear-cut opportunities, Newcastle showed more defensive consistency, keeping 13 clean sheets compared to Villa’s 9.

For those exploring betting strategies, such statistical contrasts between attack and defence can be important when analysing potential outcomes.

Unai Emery has managed 1,021 matches in his career, winning 545 and losing 259, with a preferred formation of 4-2-3-1. Eddie Howe has 717 matches as a manager, with 321 wins and 254 defeats, typically using a 4-3-3 setup. Both bring tactical expertise and adaptability, making this a fixture where adjustments could be decisive.

Fans interested in how managerial approaches influence results can learn more through the strategy guide section.

Villa Park in Birmingham remains one of the most recognised stadiums in English football. Known for its passionate atmosphere, it can provide Aston Villa with a boost in front of their supporters. The energy from the stands often plays a role in key moments, adding to the match’s intensity.

The head-to-head record from recent encounters shows both sides have experienced victories in this fixture. Matches have been competitive, with neither team establishing total dominance in the provided results. Villa Park has seen its share of home wins, but Newcastle have shown they can perform well away from home.

If you follow live betting, head-to-head patterns can offer insight during the match.

Across the 2024/25 season, Aston Villa produced slightly fewer goals than Newcastle but generated more big chances on average. Newcastle’s defensive record in terms of clean sheets was superior, yet both conceded the same number of goals in total. Possession figures were almost identical, indicating that the battle for control in midfield could be finely balanced.

For newcomers, the football guide and resources like the mobile apps section can help you follow such statistics in real time.

With both sides starting from zero points, this match offers no guaranteed outcome. Villa’s ability to create big chances, combined with their consistent shooting numbers, could give them the upper hand, especially at Villa Park. Newcastle’s defensive record from last season suggests they can withstand pressure, but they will need to be efficient in attack to claim points on the road.

In games like this, small margins can decide the result. Supporters considering placing a wager should always review our responsible gambling page before making decisions.

Score pick: Aston Villa 2 – 1 Newcastle United.