Aston Villa play host to Newcastle United in the early kick off as the Premier League returns in full force this afternoon and the main news today, as expected is that Alexander Isak has not travelled with Magpies due to ongoing interest over a possible move to Liverpool.
Softfootball understands that Villa have lost a few of their stars from last year who have returned to the parent clubs following the end of their loans but Unai Emery still has the spine of his team in Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Martinez though the goalkeeper misses out through suspension today.
For Newcastle, Alexander Isak is absent due to ongoing speculation over his future as the striker attempts to force a move to Liverpool whilst the transfer window is open. Instead the Magpies are boosted by new signing Anthony Elanga while Jacob Ramsey, a former Villan, is on the brink of joining the North East side.
Below are Aston Villa are line-ups as seen on the club official X handle:
Aston Villa XI: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Onana, McGinn, Rogers; Watk
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
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.
