Fresh off a bittersweet triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa return to Premier League action with renewed confidence—but also a point to prove. Despite a memorable 3-2 victory against the French champions in the Champions League second leg, the Villans were eliminated on aggregate (5-4), falling just short of a place in the semi-finals.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United Preview
Now, all eyes turn to Villa Park, where the Birmingham outfit welcome Newcastle United in a clash that could prove pivotal in the race for next season’s Champions League places.
The reverse fixture ended in disappointment for Villa, with Newcastle running out 3-0 winners. But things have shifted since then. Emery’s men have enjoyed a remarkable campaign, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League and booking a place in the FA Cup semi-finals—testament to their resurgence under the Spanish tactician.
Newcastle, too, are in dreamland. The Magpies recently lifted their first major title in 70 years, beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. They’ve also been ruthless in front of goal—netting 9 goals across their last two league games in dominant wins over Crystal Palace (5-0) and Manchester United (4-1).
Both clubs are in red-hot form. Villa have won 4 of their last 5 league outings, while Newcastle boast a similar record with 1 draw in the mix. The stakes couldn’t be higher: Newcastle currently sit 3rd with 59 points, while Villa trail in 7th with 54 points. Sandwiched between them are Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Chelsea—making the top-four battle one of the most gripping storylines of the season.
Historically, Newcastle edge the head-to-head with 5 wins in their last 10 meetings against Villa, who have managed 3 victories and 2 draws. But with both teams flying high, this fixture has all the ingredients of a Premier League classic
Aston Villa Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Kamara; Bailey, Asensio, McGinn; Watkins.
Newcastle Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schär, Burn, Trippier; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimarães; Barnes, Isak, Murphy.
