Newcastle and the goal of reaching the level
Last season, Newcastle finished 4th in the Premier League. However, that has not been able to satisfy the "Magpies" and led to heavy spending in the summer market. Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento are three major signings for the Northeast side of England.
Tonali will lead the midfield and help Miguel Almiron focus more on attacking tasks. Barnes will replace Allan Saint-Maximin, who has moved to the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Livramento will take turns pairing with Kieran Trippier in defense.
In addition, Eddie Howe still has other players in his hands such as Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope. Gordon was named the best player at the 2023 EURO U21.
With all that, it is understandable that the "Magpies" are highly appreciated this season. And they also lost only 2 home matches last season with the goal difference of +22.
Newcastle beat Villarreal 4-0 in their final friendly match. Barnes was named Man of the Match for a double. In short, Newcastle are ready to become a new force in the Premier League.
Aston Villa's ambition
Aston Villa have had an extremely impressive pre-season. They have played a total of 6 matches and defeated teams such as Fulham, Lazio and Valencia.
In addition, don't forget that Aston Villa finished 7th last season and had a place in the Europa Conference League.
On the Villa coaching bench is Unai Emery, who has a fate with European trophies. He has won the Europa League three times with Sevilla and has previously led Arsenal. The Spaniard has also won a Europa League title with Villarreal.
Aston Villa also have a significant upgrading of their squad this summer. They recruited Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen and Pau Torres from Villarreal. Diaby is one of the best wingers in Europe while Torres has somewhat affirmed his talent. Youri Tielemans also joined Villa Park as a free agent.
Villa have a good away record in the Premier League last season with 6 wins, 5 draws and 8 losses.
Head-to-head record
Last season, both teams won at home. Newcastle won 4-0 at St. James Park, Callum Wilson scored a double. Aston Villa then took revenge with a 3-0 win at Villa Park.
Since the 2015-16 season, the games between Newcastle and Aston Villa have always had goals.
Assessment
This is considered the most attractive and unpredictable match in round 1 of the Premier League. Newcastle are serious about competing for the championship, while Aston Villa are also aiming for the Top 4.
Both have quality attacking players and promise to create a match with many goals.
Expected lineup
Newcaslte (4-3-3): Pope, Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn, Tonali, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Almiron, Isak, Wilson.
Aston Villa (4-2-3): Martinez, Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans, Diaby, Bailey, Watkins.
The match between Newcastle vs Aston Villa takes place at 11:30 p.m. on August 12 (Vietnam time)
