Prediction: Newcastle vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two sides who gained a string of plaudits last season, Newcastle will welcome Aston Villa to St. James’ Park on Saturday evening for their opening Premier League showdown.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, enjoying what was a stunning campaign at St. James’ Park last season, Newcastle certainly find the mood in their camp at a continued red-hot high. Riding what has been an iconic wave of momentum since they welcomed Eddie Howe to the north east back in November 2021, the Magpies cruised their way to a first Champions League finish in two decades last year. Really upsetting the Premier League establishment last season and with their sights set on cementing themselves as a top-four regular this time around, the former Bournemouth boss will be calling on his high-flying squad to make an early statement in the north east. Signing off the 2022/23 campaign by losing just a pair of their final 14 Premier League appearances, Howe will simply be calling on his squad to carry on from where they left off back in May.

Team News

Enjoying what was a breakout Premier League campaign last season, midfield talisman Bruno Guimaraes will start in the middle of the park this weekend. the Brazilian international should be partnered with summer recruit Sandro Tonali at St. James’ Park.

Likewise, arriving from Leicester this summer in a £38million deal, Harvey Barnes will make his full Newcastle debut on Saturday afternoon. The 25-year-old should join Callum Wilson in the final third.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, also springing a major upset last season as they punched their Europa Conference League ticket, Aston Villa find themselves in a similar position to Saturday’s opponents. Continuing on what has been a stellar rise since they welcomed Unai Emery to the Midlands back in October, the one-time Arsenal boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. Enjoying what was a remarkable end to the 2022/23 campaign by losing just a pair of their final 15 Premier League appearances, Villa will also be excited by their most recent top-flight showdown against their fellow European qualifiers. In fact, in what was billed as Emery’s performance of the season last year, Saturday’s guests breezed their way to a remarkable 3-0 romp when they welcomed Newcastle to town back in April 15th. Hoping to mount a top-six charge this time around, Villa will be desperate for a repeat performance here.

Team News

Really breaking the bank this summer, the likes of Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans and Spanish international defender Pau Torres will make their full debuts at St. James’ Park this weekend.

Despite being linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, World Cup-winner Emiliano Martinez will start between the sticks on Saturday afternoon. Attacking talisman and former Brentford marksman Ollie Watkins will spearhead Emery’s charge here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for a pre-season showdown out in the United States last month, Newcastle and Aston Villa played out an action-packed 3-3 draw.
• When Saturday’s opponents last met on Premier League duties back on April 15th, Villa landed a shock 3-0 victory on home soil.
• The last three meetings between Newcastle and Aston Villa across all competitions have produced 13 goals.
• The Magpies lost just a pair of their Premier League appearances at St. James’ Park last season.
• Despite their success last season, Aston Villa failed to win any of their final four Premier League contests on the road.

Conclusion

Two sides who really upset the establishment last season, Newcastle and Aston Villa certainly gained a string of plaudits from across the Premier League. With both sides making it clear that they now want to cement their spots as regulars on the European stage, neutrals could be treated to an action-packed affair from St. James’ Park. Playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw when they met for a pre-season showdown out in the United States last month, we are expecting another enjoyable clash in the north east on Saturday evening.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet