Newcastle United welcome Aston Villa to St James’ Park in a huge opening weekend encounter, as both teams look to challenge for European qualification.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies begin this season looking to mount another top-four challenge after finishing fourth last season.
Villa meanwhile will be eager to continue their progress under Unai Emery and join the top-four race after they finished sixth last season.
Team News
Fabian Schar is a doubt for Newcastle after suffering a hamstring injury during pre-season.
Emil Krafth (knee), Javier Manquillo (groin) and Joe Willock (hamstring) are ruled out.
Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes are all set for their competitive debuts for the Magpies.
Villa could hand summer signings, Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby their first competitive starts for the club.
Alex Moreno (hamstring), Leander Dendoncker, Bertrand Traore (muscle), Tim Iroegbunam, Jhon Duran (both unspecified), Emiliano Buendia (ACL) and Jacob Ramsey (foot) are both ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle host Villa in a 5:30pm BST kick-off at St James’ Park on Saturday 11 August, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are unbeaten in six of their last 10 Premier League meetings against Villa (W2, D4, L4).
- Aston Villa are winless in their last 14 top-flight visits to Newcastle (D6, L8).
- Newcastle are looking to record three consecutive clean sheets at home to Villa for the first time since August 2007 – 2010.
- Elliot Anderson was Newcastle’s top goalscorer in pre-season with four goals.
- Villa failed to lose any of four pre-season friendlies in which Ollie Watkins found the net for Villa (W2, D2), including in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in Premier League Summer Series.
Prediction
This time last season saw Newcastle face little pressure but fast forward a year and all eyes will be upon them as they seek to once again fight for a top-four spot, yet this season will be harder with a resurgent Liverpool and Chelsea on the prowl plus Champions League football in the mix.
Howe though has brought in wise reinforcements but they could do with a proven Champions League level striker, who can bring extra firepower in case Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak are injured because Joelinton and Anthony Gordon aren’t the best alternative strikers.
Villa meanwhile have enjoyed a strong pre-season with Watkins and summer signing, Moussa Diaby in particular looking in strong form, which is ideal coming into a bogey away trip for the Villains who will certainly need to hit the ground running if they want a win here.
We also shouldn’t forget that both teams punched above their weight last season so this game will give an interesting reading of where both clubs stand, especially as this early part of the season will be key in terms of gathering points before their European adventures begin.
A goalless draw therefore does feel unlikely given the attacking quality but it is hard to split both teams coming into this game.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa
Result: Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa
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