Aston Villa clung on to a goalless draw at home to Newcastle United in their first Premier League game of the season.
Villa were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Ezri Konsa brought down Anthony Gordon through on goal, in a game which the Magpies dominated, and the hosts were relieved to hear the full-time whistle.
Anthony Elanga missed the best of a raft of chances for Newcastle very early in the match, shooting straight at Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot, as Eddie Howe’s side failed to find the net without absent striker Alexander Isak.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle live
- REPORT: Newcastle were slick and quick at Villa but Isak saga cost two points
- FT No goals at Villa Park and the points shared (AVL 0-0 NEW)
- 66' RED CARD! Konsa is dismissed for a foul on Gordon (AVL 0-0 NEW)
- 48’ CLOSE! Kamara’s header lands in the hands of Pope (AVL 0-0 NEW)
- 3' SAVE! Bizot denies Elanga after Newcastle counter attack (AVL 0-0 NEW)
Aston Villa FC 0 - 0 Newcastle United FC
Newcastle were slick and quick at Aston Villa but Alexander Isak saga may have cost them two points
15:47 , Richard JollyThe temptation is to say that Newcastle missed Alexander Isak. But perhaps they missed Hugo Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko or Joao Pedro or Liam Delap, or any of the strikers they had hoped to recruit to replace the one who wants to leave.
Or maybe even Yoane Wissa or Nicolas Jackson, the sixth- or seventh-choice options who could end up arriving as Plan F or G or somewhere still further into the alphabet.
And who, as the Newcastle fans who used to idolise the Swede launched into a chorus of “one greedy bastard”, they may prefer now.
Newcastle were quick and slick at Villa but Isak saga may have cost them two points
Newcastle's next fixtures
15:15 , Mike JonesNewcastle meanwhile have a tricky couple of fixtures.
Next for them is Liverpool a week on Monday which should be extra spicy given the noise around Alexander Isak.
After that they face Leeds which could be tough if the the newly promoted side have got to grips with the pace of the league by then.
Next up for Villa
15:11 , Mike JonesAston Villa will be hoping to bounce back quickly and take on Brentford next Saturday away from home.
A point against Newcastle is a decent result, especially having gone down to 10-men but they’ll be targeting a win against the Bees next up.
Emery on Konsa's red card
15:03 , Mike JonesThe Villa boss added: "It is difficult to anticipate which is best in that moment.
“This action for Konsa, I can't say anything about this decision.”
'I'm not happy with a point at home'
15:00 , Mike JonesHere are some thoughts from Unai Emery who told BBC Match of the Day:
"I am not happy with one point at home. But against a team like Newcastle, they made a lot of good chances in the first half.
“Second half we dominated more, created chances. But the red card changed the match completely. The players responded fantastically, the point more or less is fair.
"It was a tough match. After the red card there was more necessity to defend, but we responded to all the issues on the field."
'We'd like a resolution'
14:57 , Mike JonesEddie Howe finally addressed the Alexander Isak situation and wants it to be resolved as soon as possible.
He said: “From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly. It’s taking away the focus of the players, of the supporters.
“We want to be united together. We’d like a resolution, but we’re not in control of that.”
Do Newcastle need a striker?
14:53 , Mike JonesMore from Eddie Howe who was asked if his team need a striker.
He replied: “I can’t criticise anyone who played today. I thought Anthony Gordon was very good in that position. I couldn’t fault his performance.
“I think we have to focus at how the team functioned rather than any individual.
“If you’re not totally together in the Premier League, you’re going to find it very difficult. I think we answered a few questions today in terms of our spirit.
“We have to do that on a regular basis, not just today.”
Post match thoughts from Eddie Howe
14:49 , Mike JonesThe Newcastle boss said: “I’m happy with the point.
“I thought we were magnificent, front-foot, very aggressive. We had chances to score.
“I think we had a bit of a lull in the game until the red card and then came on strong again. I’m disappointed we didn’t win.
“I don’t think we dominated, chance-wise, the way we wanted. We were maybe a little bit too anxious to score. The players really turned up and gave everything.”
'Newcastle missed a focal point'
14:45 , Mike JonesFormer Aston Villa Marc Albrighton said on BBC 5 Live:
“Newcastle are missing a focal point, a number nine that is assured of himself. Gordon does tend to drift wide and they play two out and out wingers, so you can tell they are missing it.
“I think before the game they would not have been too disheartened with a point. As the game has gone on Villa will be delighted with a point.”
Both teams into top four
14:44 , Mike JonesThe slightest of consolations for both teams is that the draw takes them up to second and third in the table after just two matches played of the new season.
There are three matches kicking off at 3pm with Brighton facing Fulham, Sunderland taking on West Ham and Spurs hosting Burnley.
Things should change once those results come in.
'We were a bit sloppy'
14:32 , Mike JonesHere’s some pre-match thoughts from Anthony Gordon who believes Newcastle should have won the game but were a little sloppy in the final third.
He said: “It’s strange because coming here you’d have taken a point. They’re a great team and it’s a great atmosphere and a hard place to play.
“But, with the sending off, you want to win the game. We were a little bit sloppy in the final third and I think we could have done better but we’ll take the point.
“Once they get the man sent off we have to find a way to win and have more composure in front of goal.
“I really like [playing centrally] and I feel as my career progress I’ll end up playing there so it’s a bit earlier than I imagined but I’m enjoying it and I got to learn.”
'Newcastle missed Alexander Isak'
14:27 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkSome final thoughts from The Independent’s Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Breaking news: Newcastle missed Alexander Isak.
“Although it isn't really breaking news as much as a confirmation of the obvious.
“There is no guarantee they would have won this had Isak been present, but it does seem likely; or if not with him, with one of the many strikers who eluded them this summer.
“Even when up against 10 men, they didn't seem like scoring.
“But it is worth noting that Aston Villa were the more disappointing side on the day.”
Full-time! Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:24 , Mike Jones90+6 mins: The end of the match comes and the points are shared.
No goals but one point each seems like a fair result. It will feel better for Villa who went down to 10-men, Newcastle may feel as though they’ve left two points on the pitch.
Newcastle created the best chances but couldn’t get themselves over the line.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:22 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Unai Emery is encouraging his players on but it’s Newcastle who are pressing for the winner.
It doesn’t seem as though it will come though.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:18 , Mike Jones90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play at Villa Park.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:15 , Mike Jones88 mins: Kamara threads the needle with a fine pass to Watkins who turns and sends it wide for Malen.
He carries the ball into the box and shoots but Pope is on hand again to smother the effort.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:13 , Mike Jones86 mins: Barnes gets up to the byline and pulls a fine pass back into the box for Gordon.
Gordon isn’t expecting it and his first touch is too heavy meaning Villa can scramble it away.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:10 , Mike Jones83 mins: John McGinn takes a knee in the back as Burn leaps above him to head an aerial ball away.
More changes from both teams. Lewis Miley replaces Joelinton for Newcastle and McGinnis taken off in favour of Donyell Malen for Villa.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:07 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes to play and Eddie Howe has called on Jacob Murphy as Newcastle need a goal.
Anthony Elanga is the man who’s gone off.
They’ve got some tricky matches to come and winning today would be a massive win for them.
'Can Newcastle beat 10-men?'
14:05 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkOver at Villa Park, Richard Jolly asks the most pressing question:
“Can Newcastle beat 10 men?
“It is the sort of scenario that could call for a goalscorer. Newcastle's best is somewhere, but not at Villa Park.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:03 , Mike Jones77 mins: I’d predicted this match to end in a draw ahead of kick off but believed there would be goals.
It doesn’t seem likely now and if there is then Newcastle are the most likely to get one.
Villa are focused on keeping themselves in the contest.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
14:02 , Mike Jones75 mins: Close!
Elanga lofts a cross in from the right wing and looks for Gordon.
The ball drops over his head but lands perfectly for Barnes who drills a volley at goal only for Cash to block and deflect it out for a corner.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:59 , Mike Jones72 mins: Newcastle should take control of this match now.
They have the advantage and will pile pressure on Villa until the end of the game.
Just under 20 minutes to go and the red card could prove decisive.
'Benefit of having Gordon as a striker'
13:57 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkRichard Jolly on the red card which may change the game at Villa Park:
“Just when there had been few benefits of Anthony Gordon operating as a striker, suddenly Newcastle got one.
“His raw pace and ability to run in behind defences led to Ezri Konsa's red card which, despite his complaints, was a very obvious decision for referee Craig Pawson.
“Anthony Elanga's through ball for Gordon was an encouraging moment from the debutant.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:55 , Mike Jones68 mins: The resultant free kick is then played short to Fabian Schar who shoots from range and lifts his effort well over the crossbar.
RED CARD! Konsa is dismissed!
13:54 , Mike JonesAston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
66 mins: A potential gamechanger. Newcastle transition quickly into the counter attack and Elanga feeds the ball up to Anthony Gordon.
Gordon burst in behind the Villa defence and Ezri Konsa grabs his shoulder and pulls him down.
He’s the final defender and the referee has no option but to pull out a straight red card.
Villa are down to 10-men.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:52 , Mike Jones65 mins: Close! Rogers slots a pass into the right side of the box for Watkins who cuts inside and manages to get a shot away.
His effort is straight at goal though and Nick Pope clings onto the ball.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:51 , Mike Jones63 mins: Villa have seen more possession in this way and have pretty much nullified the threat of Anthony Elanga.
There’s hasn’t been much coming the other way though and Unai Emery may be thinking about changes.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:48 , Mike Jones60 mins: Oh no!
A fine move from Newcastle sees them play a free kick over to Guimaraes who floats it over to the back post.
Schar is arriving and has a sight of goal but Burn gets in his way and deflects the ball out for a Villa goal kick.
Not the best moment for the two Newcastle teammates.
'Villa may lack intent'
13:46 , Mike JonesHere’s Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Youri Tielemans won Villa's player-of-the-year award last season when he usually operated as one of the deeper duo in midfield.
“Today he is playing as No 10. If the balance has shifted, with Amadou Onana next to Boubacar Kamara, it may mean Villa are too solid, with too few players genuinely attacking.
“Or maybe they just lacked intent: their best chance so far came when Kamara got into the box to win a header.
“It could be the sort of thing they need to see more often.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:45 , Mike Jones56 mins: Guimaraes turns the ball over and sends Trippier sprinting down the right.
Trippier feeds the ball to Elanga who looks to weave into the box only to lose possession.
A tricky period this one, it’s unclear where the first goal is going to come from.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:39 , Mike Jones53 mins: It’s been a better start to the second half for Villa.
Onana attempts to find Rogers with a pass through midfield but Guimaraes intercepts and the ball deflects out for a throw in.
Villa send it short but Newcastle force them to retreat.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:37 , Mike Jones50 mins: Watkins darts down the left wing and looks for a forward pass. Burn reads the play well and sprints across to poke the ball out for a throw in.
The defender stays down after an awkward landing but he’s fine to play on.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:34 , Mike Jones48 mins: Close!
Villa win an early corner that is played short to Cash who feeds it to McGinn.
McGinn checks to the right then swings in a cross and finds Boubacar Kamara.
Kamara powers a header at goal but it’s straight into the hands of Nick Pope.
Second half! Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:32 , Mike JonesAston Villa get the match restarted and know they need to improve drastically in the next 45 minutes.
Newcastle created the better chances in the first half and will convert at least one of them if things continue as they are.
No changes from either manager at the break.
HT Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:30 , Mike JonesOllie Watkins – who became Aston Villa’s highest ever Premier League goalscorer last season – has scored in all four of his Premier League home games against Newcastle (5 goals).
He also has two assists in these four games, only having a hand in more home league goals for the Villans against Brighton (8).
Villa looked bereft of creativity in the first half but can Watkins inspire something after the break?
'Not a classic so far'
13:26 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkHalf-time thoughts from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“These two teams met in their opening game two years ago.
“It finished 5-1 (to Newcastle).
“A repeat doesn't look likely, not least because Villa haven't even done enough to suggest they will score one. Not a classic so far.”
HT Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:22 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:18 , Mike Jones45 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half. Plenty of action early on but the game slowed down as the half progressed and plenty of mistakes were made.
All to play for in the second half.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:13 , Mike Jones42 mins: Mings switches the play well over to Cash on the right wing.
He brings the ball down then curls a pass into the box but only picks out the Newcastle goalkeeper.
The tempo has slackened as we approach half-time.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:10 , Mike Jones39 mins: Onana and Rogers have to crowd around Elanga who, once more, dances easily around Digne who is having a tough outing today.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:07 , Mike Jones36 mins: Another free kick for Newcastle over on the right wing.
Kieran Tripper whips it into the box but his cross is too high for everyone and the ball goes straight out of play.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:05 , Mike Jones33 mins: Villa’s best player so far has been Marco Bizot in goal which will be worrying for Unai Emery.
His keeper has been busier than the hosts would like him to be but he has stepped up to the task in the absence of Emi Martinez.
'It feels like two teams feeling their way'
13:04 , Richard Jolly at Villa parkMore insights from Villa Park with The Independent’s Richard Jolly:
“After the explosive start to the season at Anfield last night, here are two teams feeling their way.
“They may look different in a week or two. Newcastle's starting 11 includes three wingers but no strikers and two right-backs but no specialist left-backs, even if Tino Livramento's best performances for the club have tended to come on the left.
“Villa lost Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford in the summer. After 27 minutes, they seem to have less threat without them.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
13:02 , Mike Jones30 mins: There’s a sarcastic cheer from the home fans when the referee awards Onana a free kick. Obviously they feel they should have had more decisions go their way.
The free kick is knocked long and Watkins attempts to sneak in behind. Pope, again, comes out quickly and plucks the ball off his nose at the front edge of the box.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:59 , Mike Jones27 mins: Gordon is fed the ball early and collects it before approaching the box from the left.
Tyrone Mings comes over to cover but Gordon cuts to the right and shoots only to hit Matty Cash also tracking back well.
Another opportunity for the visitors.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:57 , Mike Jones26 mins: A misplaced pass from Amadou Onana sends the ball out of play as he attempts to get Lucas Digne forward on the left.
Villa just aren’t clicking with each other at the minute and they’re lucky to still be level.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:55 , Mike Jones23 mins: Aston Villa haven’t had a shot yet.
In contrast Newcastle have had six but haven’t managed to convert any.
Is that a sign they’re missing the ruthlessness of Alexander Isak?
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:51 , Mike Jones20 mins: Gordon makes a run over to the left side of the penalty area as the ball is played over the top.
Bizot makes an early decision to come for the ball and gets there ahead of the striker but Gordon appreciated the pass and applauds Livramento who sent it.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:48 , Mike Jones17 mins: Save!
A free kick for Newcastle is curled over to the back post. Barnes works it out of the penalty area to Gordon who fizzes a first time shot at goal.
There’s a slight deflection but Bizot manages to drop low and push the ball wide of the target.
Another good save from the Villa goalkeeper.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:46 , Mike Jones15 mins: There’s a good tempo to the match and some heavy tackles coming in as players try to push their weight around.
Livramento comes forward on the left for Newcastle and works with Harvey Barnes.
Barnes whips in a cross and the ball comes to Elanga by the back post. He snatches at the shot and miscues it into the cluster of defenders and Villa clear their lines.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:43 , Mike Jones12 mins: Close!
Anthony Gordon is playing as the main striker for Newcastle in the absence of Alexander Isak today.
He gets a good chance to lay down a marker but leaping towards a cross but only manages to head the ball over the crossbar.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:41 , Mike Jones9 mins: Morgan Rogers threads a nice pass through the Newcastle defence and wants to feed Watkins in behind.
There’s too much pace on the pass though which allows Nick Pope to come off his line and beat the forward to the ball.
It’s been an electric start to this match.
'The first key moment'
12:38 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkHere’s Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“There are two debutants starting and the first key moment pitted them against each other.
“Anthony Elanga could have scored his first goal for Newcastle after two and a half minutes.
“Instead, Marco Bizot, making his Villa bow with Emi Martinez, made a fine save. It was a first indication he could be a good signing.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:38 , Mike Jones6 mins: Joelinton and Tielemans come together in the middle of the pitch but the ball squirts out to Watkins on the right.
He drives towards the box but Livramento is on hand to poke the ball out for a corner which the visitors defend without too much trouble.
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:35 , Mike Jones3 mins: Save!
Youri Tielemans brings the ball along the front edge of the Newcastle box and gives the ball away trying to pick out Ollie Watkins.
Newcastle intercept the ball and transition quickly into a counter attack.
Anthony Elanga is fed the ball and he flies up the pitch and gets into the box.
Anthony Gordon is an option but Elanga shoots and Marco Bizot leaps to the right and pushes the ball over the crossbar!
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:33 , Mike Jones2 mins: John McGinn sets the tone early on with a pressing tackle on Tino Livramento.
He forces the defender onto the deck and gives away a free kick which the Villa captain isn’t happy about.
Kick off! Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
12:31 , Mike JonesThe match, as every Premier League game this weekend will be, is preceded by a minute of silence to pay respect to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva who passed away earlier this summer.
Afterwards Newcastle get the ball rolling at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
12:25 , Mike JonesThe players head out onto the pitch at Villa Park.
The atmosphere is bubbling nicely and the Premier League’s Saturday action is about to get underway.
These teams ended on the same amount of points last season but who will come out on top this afternoon?
Kick off is up next...
Will Newcastle miss Isak?
12:21 , Mike JonesNewcastle striker Alexander Isak scored 11 goals in his last 13 Premier League away games.
Since the first game in this run (October 27th 2024), only Mohamed Salah has scored more on the road than the Swede (13).
How badly will Newcastle miss him this afternoon?
'We are happy with how we're building the team'
12:17 , Mike JonesAston Villa boss Unai Emery, spoke to TNT Sports and explained how he is pleased with the club’s business in the summer.
Emery said: "Good afternoon, we are so excited about the new season, and we are starting at Villa Park with our supporters.
"Of course, we are very happy with how we are building the team. We are in the transfer window, and we have to try separate when we are involved in the window, and we are so focused on preparing for this match now.
"The players are ready. Here at Villa Park, we can get our fortress strong again.”
The empires strike back as Premier League enters uncertain new era
12:15 , Miguel DelaneyIt’s a line being uttered by many in the Premier League, that maybe says more than intended.
Liverpool, in the specific words of one fearful rival, have “destroyed the market” this summer.
Everybody expected the champions to buy from a position of strength, but the thinking was the usual astute signings and maybe one big one. Liverpool have instead gone for real game-changers.
And, in the process, maybe changed the Premier League.
The empires strike back as Premier League enters uncertain new era
Turning the form around
12:13 , Mike JonesThough they still secured a top-five finish to qualify for the Champions League, Newcastle lost their last two Premier League games of 2024-25.
Can they start with a win this season?
Fortress Villa Park
12:09 , Mike JonesAston Villa are unbeaten in their last 21 home games in all competitions (W15 D6), winning the last eight in a row.
It’s their longest run without defeat at Villa Park since a run of 24 between September 1976 and May 1977.
Has Howe been let down by Isak?
12:05 , Mike JonesThe Newcastle boss was asked that question ahead of kick off an replied: "Now is not the time to discuss that.
“All my emotions are towards this game. This is a tough place to come. We have got to be there mentally, me included.”
Eddie Howe talks Alexander Isak saga
12:01 , Mike JonesNewcastle boss Eddie Howe, spoke to TNT Sports about Alexander Isak's transfer saga and gave away no new details.
He said: "No different to how it has been for a number of weeks. We are without him [Alexander Isak]. We are adapting to that and still trying to be competitive. Today will be a big test for us.
"We feel in good spirits. It is a strong team he [Unai Emery] picks, so hopefully we go well.
"We believe in the team we have picked today. There have been distractions through pre-season, but that's been for me, and not the players."
Start as you mean to go on
11:57 , Mike JonesNewcastle have won their opening league match in each of the last three seasons, more times than they had in the previous 14 campaigns combined (two wins, four draws and eight defeats).
Villa targeting another opening day victory
11:53 , Mike JonesAston Villa won 2-1 at West Ham in their opening Premier League match last season, last winning on the first match day in consecutive campaigns between 2013-14 and 2015-16.
Can they add a third win to that run against Newcastle today?
'It's nice to play your first game at home'
11:48 , Mike JonesAston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, stopped by TNT Sports to chat about today’s match and says he hopes to continue the good form Villa ended last year with.
Konsa said: “It is always nice when you play at home for the first game - we knew how good we were last season at home, so we want to continue that.
"Earlier on in the season last year we dropped some key points, but things happened. It is a new season, and we want to continue what we're building here and continue growing.
"Same aim as last season: stay up there with the big buys. We want to get Champions League football again.
"We will focus on today's game and take it game by game."
Will history repeat itself?
11:44 , Mike JonesThis is the second time in the last three seasons Aston Villa and Newcastle have met in their opening league match of the season, with the Magpies winning 5-1 at St. James’ Park in 2023-24.
A poor record on the road
11:39 , Mike JonesNewcastle have lost five of their last six Premier League away games against Aston Villa, with the exception being a 3-1 victory in January 2024.
Fans arriving at Villa Park
11:35 , Mike JonesA touch under an hour to go until kick off and the fans are flooding to Villa Park.
Two in a row for Villa?
11:30 , Mike JonesAston Villa beat Newcastle 4-1 in April, but haven’t won consecutive Premier League games against the Magpies since completing the double over them in 2004-05.
Alexander Isak not at Villa Park
11:24 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe main news today, as expected, is that Alexander Isak has not travelled with Newcastle due to ongoing interest over a possible move to Liverpool.
The Independent’s Richard Jolly is at the ground with the latest updates:
“I am at Villa Park and Alexander Isak is not. Newcastle fans may wish it was the other way around.
“Also not here today is Jacob Ramsey, who will complete his move from Aston Villa to Newcastle. If there has been some frustration in the transfer market for both clubs this summer, that could be a good signing for Newcastle.
“Another absentee is Emi Martinez, suspended after his red card at Old Trafford in May, when defeat cost Villa a place in the Champions League which instead went to Newcastle.
“Not that it has given them the allure it might have done, with Giovanni Leoni, now of Liverpool, another target to elude them.
“While Isak is in limbo, no striker has been signed so Anthony Gordon leads the line.”
When is Aston Villa vs Newcastle?
11:20 , Mike JonesAston Villa vs Newcastle is the early Premier League match and is due to kick off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday 16 August at Villa Park.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage on both channels beginning at 11am BST. A live stream will be available via Discovery+ for subscribers as well.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle line-ups
11:17 , Mike JonesAston Villa XI: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Onana, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
How we open the 2025/26 Premier League season ✊ #AVLNEW pic.twitter.com/jRGVIXeHBm
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 16, 2025
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Your opening day Magpies! 👊 pic.twitter.com/JsEdOOdJS3
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 16, 2025
Newcastle early team news
11:13 , Mike JonesEddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak will not feature due to the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the striker. Joe Willock has an achilles injury which will keep him out but Anthony Gordon might be ready if he can prove he’s up to match fitness.
Aston Villa early team news
11:10 , Mike JonesAston Villa have lost some loanees in Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford but have kept hold of some of their more favourably players in Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.
Emiliano Martinez will miss the game due to suspension and Rogers is struggling with an ankle injury but may be fit to play. Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia are injured however and Jacob Ramsey looks set to join today’s opponents Newcastle. Evann Guessand could make his debut.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle
11:07 , Mike JonesTwo of last season’s more successful teams kick off their Premier League campaigns with a clash at Villa Park as Aston Villa host Newcastle United in Saturday’s early kick off.
Unai Emery’s team finished sixth last season, level on points with Newcastle, but missed out on a spot in the Champions League due to the Magpies superior goal difference.
This summer Villa have been through a bit of a reset despite only making two new signings. Yasin Ozcan was signed and sent out on loan but Evann Guessand offers more depth as a centre forward after the club lost the services of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio following the end of their loan deals. Jacob Ramsey is also on the brink of a move to Newcastle though won’t face Villa today.
For Newcastle, they’ve had a transfer window to forget having missed out on key targets to Premier League rivals and being engulfed in the ongoing Alexander Isak saga. Eddie Howe has managed to bring in Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw and a positive result against Villa will go some way to quieting the noise happening off the pitch.
Good morning!
11:05 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action as Aston Villa take on Newcastle in the opening match of the day.
The game takes place at Villa Park and kicks off in just over an hours time so let’s get stuck into all the latest build up...
