Defensive needs and an Isak-shaped hole – Villa and Newcastle squads assessed ahead of big kick-off
The first live game of this season’s Premier League campaign on TNT Sports will feature Aston Villa hosting Newcastle United at Villa Park. Both sides have impressed in recent years and hope to continue their climbs up the table this year. However, ahead of the big kick-off, what state are both squads in, and are they ready to challenge at the top end of the league once again?
The complexion of the Premier League’s established order has changed in recent years, with a once-impenetrable ‘big six’ being dismantled to an extent, and new sides attempting to muscle their way in.
The last three seasons have seen Newcastle United, then Aston Villa, and now The Magpies again, finish high enough in the league to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, with both sides hoping to continue the trend as they hover towards the top of the table.
In fact, Newcastle only beat Villa to the coveted spot in Europe’s elite competition by virtue of goal difference last season, showing how tight the battle was between the two ‘non-traditional’ members of the Premier League elite.
Looking at the relatively healthy state of both sides now, it is strange to think that exactly 10 years ago, these teams were heading into the 2015/16 season preparing for a year of struggle and misery that would ultimately conclude in both being relegated to the Championship.
This weekend, they kick off the 2025/26 campaign by going head-to-head at Villa Park, in a match that can be seen live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
With both clubs once again harbouring ambitions of a potential top-four finish this season, this mouth-watering clash could be viewed as something of a six-pointer already.
Ahead of the game, however, both sides might argue that the summer has not been the most productive in the transfer market, and could still strengthen their respective squads before the transfer deadline at the end of August as they hope to achieve their goals.
Goalkeepers: Little back up for Martinez while Newcastle stock up
Villa recruited Dutch veteran stopper Marco Bizot as understaudy to Emiliano Martinez but beyond that, manager Unai Emery would have to dip into his youth team or enter the market again should his World Cup-winning No. 1 be missing for any length of time.
Newcastle have no such worries between the sticks having snapped up Aaron Ramsdale on loan, while still retaining the services of Nick Pope.
An embarassment of goalkeeping riches is further boosted by the presence of experienced veterans John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, who can deputise as needed.
Defences: Newcastle remain strong as Villa eye more at full-back
Villa have strong centre-back options in Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings but beyond that, options are scarce.
At right back, Matty Cash remains a starting option, with January signing Andres Garcia as the main back-up without shoehorning players out of position into the role.
On the other side, Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen are more than capable in the role, and a returning Alex Moreno, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, could take an opportunity to fight his way back into the team.
The Magpies are well stocked in the centre of defence and have strengthened further with the signing of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.
The 24-year-old Germany international adds a more youthful look to the backline, with the likes of Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier all the north side of 30.
Full-back positions are also fairly well stocked with several options as Eddie Howe’s side could look to rotate between domestic and European assignments this coming season.
Midfielders: Rogers leads Emery charge as Geordies’ Brazilian duo thrive
Villa’s progress under Emery has been underpinned by a strong midfield with the likes of Amadou Onana, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans comprising one of the best units in the division, while breakout star Morgan Rogers is the driving force going forward.
Rogers is currently a doubt for the opener against Newcastle, meaning Emiliano Buendia, who has impressed in pre-season, could have a chance to stake his claim in the side having been sent out on loan for the second half of last season.
The Magpies can also point to their midfield as key to their ambitions with Sandro Tonali dovetailing with Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
However, there is a lack of depth beyond that with Joe Willock and Lewis Miley the only other options currently.
Forwards: Villa hold on to star striker as Newcastle set to say goodbye to theirs
Villa have added Evann Guessand as a forward option and alternative to Ollie Watkins, who remains of interest to other clubs around the league.
Emery will hope to keep his hands on the England man as The Villans look somewhat lacking across the frontline, particularly having lost loan stars Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio at the end of last season.
The ongoing saga involving Alexander Isak has made life difficult for Howe and his side this summer, and Saturday will be an opportunity to see how much they have been affected by the disruption.
It seems unlikely that the Swede will don the black and white stripes again so unless there is a move for another centre-forward, the burden will fall on the shoulders of William Osula, or will see Howe have to shift one of his wide men central.
The manager does have options on both flanks however, with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes capable of playing either side, as is new signing Anthony Elanga, who will certainly add some flair to their attack this season.
How to watch Aston Villa v Newcastle
Aston Villa v Newcastle will be live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.
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