The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off at Villa Park with Newcastle United travelling to Birmingham to face Aston Villa – two clubs who have spent the past three seasons swapping places in the Champions League race. This isn’t just an opener; it’s the first blow in what’s likely to be another year-long battle for the top four/five.
Leapfrogging rivals
In 2022/23, Newcastle broke into the top four and returned to the Champions League after 20 years away. Villa followed suit the next season, finishing fourth in 2023/24.
Last season, Newcastle, free of European distractions, won the Carabao Cup and surged into the top five to clinch Champions League football again. Villa, by contrast, fell short on the final day, being unable to take advantage of Newcastle United’s shock home defeat to Everton by suffering a shock defeat to Manchester United, allowing Eddie Howe’s men to leapfrog them into Europe’s top table.
This opener isn’t just about three points, it’s about momentum, bragging rights, and keeping a direct rival in check.
Villa’s PSR headache and quiet summer
Aston Villa have had their own brush with the Profit and Sustainability Rules, resolving their issues in part through the controversial move of selling their women’s team to themselves, a tactic that has drawn as much ridicule as it has scrutiny.
That PSR squeeze has kept their summer business relatively muted. Their only major arrival is €30m striker Evann Guessand from OGC Nice, while big names like Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey have all been linked with moves away, with Jacob Ramsey’s move to Newcastle United now nearing completion.
Emery’s strengths, and his challenge
Unai Emery is a wily operator, particularly in Europe, but his Sevilla sides often struggled to balance strong Europa League runs with consistent league form. Villa’s ability to juggle domestic and European commitments will define their season. They managed to successfully navigate a strong Champions League campaign with a good domestic campaign last season, and all the signs suggest they should be able to do so again this season.
Newcastle’s summer and the need for a response
Newcastle have addressed some key areas in the transfer market, winger Anthony Elanga adds pace and directness, Malick Thiaw brings much-needed speed to the backline, and Aaron Ramsdale arrives to push Nick Pope. Strong links remain to Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, which could yet add another, much needed dimension to the attack – a welcome distraction to the Isak saga.
But before any thoughts of future arrivals, this fixture is a chance to make an immediate statement. Villa humiliated Newcastle 4-1 at Villa Park last season, a sobering reminder of the threat they possess, and Howe’s side will be desperate to ensure there’s no repeat in the season opener.
What did we learn from Eddie’s press conference?
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip, Howe confirmed Joe Willock is the only absentee. New signing Thiaw could make his debut despite just two training sessions with the squad.
On Isak, Howe said the situation is “unchanged” and the striker will not feature. He also made clear that Newcastle will be in the market for another forward regardless of Isak’s future, calling the striker market “as tight as I’ve ever known it.”
And with a tough opener ahead, Howe left supporters with a reminder of the team’s character:
“Worry is a wasted emotion. I know the character and talent of this group. We will give effort, commitment, heart and desire – and we’ll need the fans with us, which I know they will be.”
The stakes
Both clubs know they’ll be fighting for the same European places come May. For Newcastle, a win here would not only avenge last season’s heavy defeat but also send a message to one of their most direct rivals that they’re ready for the battle ahead. For Villa, it’s the chance to spoil the party on opening day and remind everyone they’re still in the mix.
