Tomorrow, the 16th, the Premier League kicks off its new season at Villa Park. Aston Villa host Newcastle United – the game kicks off at half past two Moscow time.
- Date: 16.08.2025, kick-off at 14:30 (MS).
- Arena: Villa Park, Birmingham.
- League: EPL 2025/26, opening round.
- Referee: to be announced.
- Fans: up to 42,640 people can attend.
The teams have wrapped up their summer preparations — both the Lions and the Magpies looked solid in their pre-season friendlies. Aston Villa are aiming to cement their place in the top six and return to European competition, while the visitors from Newcastle have their sights set on top-tier tournaments. The transfer window brought exciting reinforcements for both sides, which should boost their chances in the battle for the top spots in the table.
Statistics of previous matches. Head to head
The statistics of recent meetings show an interesting picture of the rivalry. Newcastle have won five of their last seven matches against Aston Villa, but the Lions won the most recent meeting. Newcastle’s form at the end of last season left much to be desired.
| Indicator | Aston Villa | Newcastle United |
|---|---|---|
| Matches in the 2024/2025 season | 38 | 38 |
| Victories | 18 | 14 |
| Draws | 8 | 10 |
| Defeats | 12 | 14 |
| Scored goals | 66 | 58 |
| Missed goals | 55 | 62 |
| Goal difference | +11 | -4 |
Last season, Aston Villa finished sixth and secured a spot in the Europa League. Emery managed to shape the team’s play, with particularly strong performances at home. The team’s preseason preparation was thorough, and they’ve set ambitious goals for the new campaign.
English Premier League standings
There have been some changes in the new EPL season – Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland have returned, replacing the relegated Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton.
| # | Team | P (Played) | W (Wins) | D (Draws) | L (Losses) | Scores | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6:0 | 6 |
| 2 | Tottenham Hotspur | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5:0 | 6 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7:4 | 6 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5:1 | 4 |
| 5 | Nottingham Forest | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4:2 | 4 |
| 6 | Manchester City | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4:2 | 3 |
| 7 | Sunderland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3:2 | 3 |
| 8 | Everton | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2:1 | 3 |
| 9 | AFC Bournemouth | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3:4 | 3 |
| 10 | Brentford | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0:0 | 1 |
| 11 | Burnley | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2:3 | 3 |
| 12 | Leeds United | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1:5 | 3 |
| 13 | Fulham | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2:2 | 2 |
| 14 | Crystal Palace | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1:1 | 2 |
| 15 | Newcastle United | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2:3 | 1 |
| 16 | Manchester United | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1:2 | 1 |
| 17 | Aston Villa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0:1 | 1 |
| 18 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1:3 | 1 |
| 19 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0:5 | 0 |
In the 2024/2025 season, the Lions finished above Newcastle, which is why the bet takers have them as favorites.
With 20 teams in the table, the competition for every position will be intense.
The league newcomers have already proven they’re not just here to make up the numbers – they’re here for results.
Predictions and betting odds
Bookmakers and analysts predict roughly equal chances for both sides.
The main odds lineup looks attractive for betting enthusiasts.
The odds for a home win are around 2.20 (a €10 bet would return €22 win),
a draw is priced at 3.40 (€34 return on a €10 bet),
and an away win is at 3.10. Bettors enjoy matches like this because of the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
Bookmakers offer a wide range of betting options. The most popular predictions include:
- Aston Villa win — odds 2.20.
- Both teams to score — odds 1.65.
- Total over 2.5 goals — odds 1.80.
- Exact score 2-1 in favor of the hosts — odds 8.50.
Experienced players recommend reviewing recent team performances and expert predictions before placing a bet.
Every prediction should be based on facts, not emotions.
This match is expected to be tough – anything can happen in the Premier League, but the home advantage might play a role.
Football in England is known for its unpredictability and high tempo.
Final prediction: Aston Villa to win 2:1. Both teams have competitive lineups, so we’re expecting a high-quality game.
The winner of this clash will demonstrate serious championship ambitions.
Some useful tips from the pros: consider betting on goals.
Both teams are capable of scoring goals and creating scores.
Matches like this one make the league standings exciting for all fans.