Newcastle United kick-off their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with an away trip to Aston Villa.
And it promises to be an interesting encounter after the Magpies pipped Villa to Champions League qualification on the final day of last season. United lost 1-0 to Everton but Unai Emery’s side were defeated 2-0 against Manchester United, meaning Eddie Howe’s men clinched fifth spot on goal difference.
The Villans battered Newcastle 4-1 at Villa Park in April to atone for their 3-0 loss at St James’ Park in December. While there is usually little to separate the two teams in terms of the Premier League table, they both have a habit of winning comfortably on their home grounds.
But the new seasons brings new ambitions and, hopefully for Newcastle, new signings. With Premier League champions Liverpool next up after Villa, Howe will be keen to have the majority, if not all, of his transfer business done to give the club the best possible chance of making a strong start.
As of yet, the Magpies are yet to make a breakthrough but remain hopeful of that happening before the players return for pre-season on July 17. Here is a look at how Newcastle could potentially line up for the opening day clash - based on their transfer targets currently in the public domain.
1. GK: Aaron Ramsdale
Right now, it's Nick Pope's spot to lose but Ramsdale will hope that changes soon. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has been excellent at left-back and he'll hope to carry over that form over to the position he was signed to fill. | Getty Images
3. CB: Malick Thiaw
Thiaw has been signed as Fabian Schar's long-term replacement. | Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI. | Getty Images