Aston Villa vs Newcastle Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been almost at level pegging in recent years, and it should prove to be a fascinating encounter on the opening day at Villa Park this week.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – TNT Sports app / US – Universo
Aston Villa preview: Slow summer for the Villains
Unai Emery is being trusted to work his magic this season, with the Villains unable to do too much business in this summer’s transfer window, as a result of Profit and Sustainability Rules after missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
They have lost loanees Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, but Villa haven’t really been able to bring anyone in to replace them. They have recently made the addition of striker Evann Guessand from Nice at least, though, for a fee of around £23.5 million.
Newcastle preview: Dramatic Isak situation
Newcastle United have endured an extremely tough summer transfer window as they miss out on an array of targets, such as James Trafford and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as Benjamin Sesko, amid rumours that Alexander Isak could still leave St James’ Park.
The Magpies qualified for the UEFA Champions League last season, but Eddie Howe has his work cut out to ensure they remain at a very strong level this time around, with Isak going AWOL and not travelling with the squad to their pre-season tour of Asia.
Aston Villa team news: Emiliano Martinez suspended
Aston Villa will be without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, as he is missing through suspension due to his red card picked up against Manchester United on the final day of last season.
Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley have been confirmed as being unavailable, but Morgan Rivera is fit for the start of the season.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Malen, Tielemans, McGinn; Watkins
Unavailable: Martinez (Suspended), Garcia (Injured), Barkley (Injured)
Questionable:
Newcastle team news: Gordon a doubt
Alexander Isak has been confirmed as being unavailable for this weekend as he refuses to train and play in order to leave the club this summer.
Joe Willock is the only confirmed absentee for the visitors this weekend, whilst Anthony Gordon remains a doubt, albeit is expected to play in the false nine.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes
Unavailable: Willock (Injured), Isak (Personal reasons)
Questionable: Gordon (Injured)
Aston Villa vs Newcastle prediction
A couple of years ago, on the opening day of the campaign, Newcastle United hammered Aston Villa by five goals to one at St James’ Park. However, at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s Villains will seek to get themselves revenge with a high energy and intense performance, that could end up completely overrunning a Newcastle side that have endured a very difficult summer both on and off the pitch. So backing Villa may well be a good bet for this one.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle tip: Aston Villa to win
