Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will get the 2025/26 campaign underway on Saturday lunchtime, Aston Villa will welcome Newcastle to the Midlands.
Aston Villa
Starting with the hosts, suffering real frustration back in May as they missed out on the chance to book another famous Champions League ticket thanks to their goal difference, Aston Villa are desperate to avoid showing any signs of a hangover this time around. However, signing off their summer preparations with a 2-0 victory against Spanish outfit Villarreal, Unai Emery’s side will be looking to lay down an early marker on Saturday lunchtime. Winning 13 of their final 17 appearances across all competitions last season, the former Arsenal boss has also seen his squad gain a reputation for their continued dominance on home soil. In fact, Villa have won all of their last eight consecutive showdowns in the Midlands by an aggregate score of 19-5.
Aston Villa Team News
Shown a straight red card against Manchester United on the final weekend back in May, Argentinian international Emiliano Martinez will miss out through suspension here. Signing a new deal last month, French star Boubacar Kamara will start in the middle of the park.
Completing a big-money move from French outfit Nice last week, new recruit Evann Guessand should make his Premier League debut on Saturday lunchtime. However, despite continued speculation over a move away from the Midlands this summer, England international Ollie Watkins will lead the line.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, while Newcastle might have dragged themselves to a Champions League ticket in the most dramatic of fashion back in May, it is no secret that the Magpies have endured a public nightmare this summer. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 loss at home against Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid, Eddie Howe’s men failed to win any of their six friendly appearances and they have some serious pressure on their shoulders ahead of Saturday’s opener. Likewise, mustering just one-point from any of their final three Premier League matchups away from St. James’ Park, Howe’s side will also be concerned by their most recent trip to the Midlands. Slumping to a 4-1 drumming back on April 19th, Newcastle face what will be a stern challenge here.
Newcastle Team News
In the midst of what has become a major transfer saga and making it abundantly clear that he wants a move away from St. James’ Park this summer, Alexander Isak is not expected to feature here. Completing a big-money from from Nottingham Forest last month, Anthony Elanga should make his competitive Newcastle debut.
Likewise, arriving from Southampton on an initial loan switch last week, Aaron Ramsdale could start between the sticks on Saturday lunchtime. Getting some crucial minutes under his belt this summer, Sven Botman could start at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle Key Factors to Consider
- When Aston Villa and Newcastle last met back on April 19th, Saturday’s hosts collected a thumping 4-1 victory in the Midlands.
- Aston Villa remarkably won all of their final eight consecutive showdowns in the Midlands last season by an aggregate score of 19-5.
- In fact, Villa have not suffered a single Premier League defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 12 months.
- Newcastle failed to win any of their six friendly matchups over the summer (four defeats, two draws).
- The Magpies collected just one-point from any of their final three Premier League showdowns away from St. James’ Park last season.
Conclusion
Enduring what has been a public nightmare this summer, Newcastle should be bracing themselves for a stern examination when they open proceedings on Saturday lunchtime. Failing to win any of their six pre-season appearances and coming under some serious scrutiny, Howe’s downbeat squad should also be concerned by their most recent trip to Villa Park. Hit with a 4-1 drumming when they travelled to the Midlands for a Premier League showdown on April 19th, we are backing a home draw no bet this weekend.
Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
