Aston Villa and Newcastle United will kick off their Premier League 2025/26 campaign when they clash at Villa Park on Saturday.
Villans had a phenomenal home track record last season; the home side will look to continue to carry the same momentum going into the fresh season. Unai Emery's side started their preseason preparations with two consecutive defeats, but they soon bounced back and lost just one game in their last six outings, wrapping up their preseason with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal.
They finished last season with the same points as Newcastle but missed out on a UEFA Champions League spot on goal difference. As the new season gets underway, Villa will be determined to push themselves for an even better finish this time.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, will be pushing for a strong start this season after stealing a Champions League spot last season. Eddie Howe's side had a poor time in their preseason campaign, failing to win a match in their six friendlies they played.
The Magpies also faced challenges in their summer preparations, struggling to finalize key transfers and dealing with multiple injuries to their star players.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in the UK:
TV channel: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate
Live stream: Discovery+
Fans in the UK can tune in to live coverage on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with the broadcast starting at 11 a.m. BST and building up to the 12:30 p.m. kick-off.
Those with a Discovery+ subscription will also be able to stream the action in real time through the app.
What time does Aston Villa vs. Newcastle kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the Villa Park in Birmingham, England, and kicks off on Saturday, August 16 at 12:30 p.m. local time (BST).
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle lineups, team news
Aston Villa will be without first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is suspended following a red card last season and will return after August 23. New signing Marco Bizot is in line for a Premier League debut.
Morgan Rogers is battling an ankle sprain and faces a late fitness test.
Villa manager Emery will also have to contend without midfielder Ross Barkley and winger Andres Garcia, who are both ruled out due to knocks with no confirmed return dates.
Emery may rely on summer signings to add creativity and attacking threat while Ollie Watkins and John McGinn remain central figures. Jacob Ramsey's involvement may be subject to how Newcastle's reported transfer interest develops.
Aston Villa predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Bizot (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne — Tielemans, Onana — McGinn, Ramsey, Malen — Watkins
Injured: Rogers (ankle), Barkley (knock), Garcia (knock)
Suspended: Martinez
Newcastle will be without midfielder Joe Willock, who is recovering from a calf injury sustained earlier this month, which is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.
Anthony Gordon is also a concern after twisting his ankle on August 9. The forward's injury was initially feared to be more serious but further assessment revealed a minor issue, which could potentially allow him to play
Alexander Isak is unlikely to feature with the Swedish striker eyeing an exit amid interest from Liverpool. Anthony Elanga should get his competitive debut for the club.
Newcastle United predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento — Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton — Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Injured: Willock (calf), Gordon (ankle, doubt)
Suspended: None
Premier League fixture schedule this week
Friday, August 15
- Liverpool vs. Bournemouth (8 p.m. BST)
Saturday, August 16
- Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United (12:30 p.m. BST)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham (3 p.m. BST)
- Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (3 p.m. BST)
- Sunderland vs. West Ham United (3 p.m. BST)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley (3 p.m. BST)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City (5:30 p.m. BST)
Sunday, August 17
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace (2 p.m. BST)
- Manchester United vs. Arsenal (4:30 p.m. BST)
Monday, August 18
- Leeds United vs. Everton (8 p.m. BST)
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