The standout match on the opening Saturday of the Premier League comes from St James’ Park, as Newcastle United host Aston Villa. But, can the Magpies continue their upward trajectory in 2023-24 with a win in their first match of the campaign?
Premier League Preview
The 2022-23 season was a huge success for Newcastle United, as the club achieved qualification to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. The Magpies were consistent throughout the season, as they lost a league-low of just five matches. Newcastle also allowed the joint-fewest goals across their 38 matches alongside Manchester City. It was their record in home fixtures that allowed them to go to the next level, as they lost just twice in 19 matches at St James’ Park.
The aim for Eddie Howe is to take the team to the next level, meaning that another top-four finish will be the minimum aim. Newcastle have spent big in order to confirm their status among the elite in England, with Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali, and Tino Livramento all brought in during the off-season.
However, Aston Villa will also have their sights set on breaking into the top four this season. It will be Unai Emery’s first full season at the club after leading Villa to seventh in the second half of last season. That finish means that the Midlands club will be back in European action for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign.
Emery has been backed financially throughout the summer, with the standout deals seeing Villa bring in Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby from Villarreal and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively. Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans adds further quality in the middle of the field.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Head to Head
Newcastle have won two of the previous three clashes between these sides, which includes a 4-0 win in this exact fixture last season. In fact, Newcastle boast an excellent home record against Villa, as they are unbeaten in 15 matches between the sides at St James’ Park.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Prediction
This is an exciting match to close out Saturday in the Premier League. However, we find it hard to overlook Newcastle’s excellent record in this fixture, meaning that we will be siding with a home win.
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