Newcastle v Aston Villa

Newcastle vs Aston Villa Preview

Although Newcastle United received massive financial clout, The Magpies still achieved what was a remarkable Premier League campaign with a relatively modest squad under manager, Eddie Howe, as the hosts finished up in fourth place which also means that Champions League football will also come to St James' Park this season.

First though, Newcastle will open their season with a home game against another side that was a revelation last term, namely, Aston Villa under former Arsenal boss, Unai Emery, and whom also registered a heavy 3-0 defeat upon The Magpies in their previous meeting at Villa Park.

However, the signs look favourable for Newcastle United to enjoy another successful season this term as the hosts finished the last campaign losing just twice in their last 14 league matches which came in the shape of losses to Aston Villa and Arsenal.

Nevertheless, Newcastle also managed to pick up nine wins as well in the process which included notable victories over Manchester United, Tottenham and Brighton, while The Magpies also produced solid form on home soil at St James' Park.

With just two defeats and possessing the second best defensive record at home in the division, Eddie Howe will be keen for his side to pick up where they left off on Saturday evening.

Aston Villa also secured a European spot for this season as the west midlands club finished last season's campaign in a creditable seventh place finish which also resulted in Villa qualifying for the Europa Conference League this term, helped by the fact that The Villains lost just two of their last 15 matches of last season.

Villa picked up no fewer than 10 wins during this period under Emery who may have felt he had a point to prove after an unsuccessful stint at Arsenal in the English top flight, but it's worth noting that seven of these 10 wins were registered on home soil at Villa Park.

Results on the road tailed off for the visitors towards the end of the season as Villa were handed defeats at Manchester United and Wolves although Unai Emery's side did manage to pick up points on their travels by way of draws at Brentford and Liverpool.

Newcastle United v Aston Villa Verdict

Newcastle United's solid defensive unit looks set to give The Magpies a possible advantage here along with Newcastle's impressive head-to-head record against Aston Villa which has seen the hosts unbeaten in their last 15 meetings on home soil at St James' Park against their west midlands visitors.

In addition, The Magpies have managed to hold onto their dangerous attacking pair, Almiron and Wilson, while forward, Isak, was a revelation last term.

Therefore, our main bet will be Newcastle Utd win @ 1.75

Other side bets worth considering:

Under 2.5 goals @ 2.10

Correct score: Newcastle Utd 2-0 @ 7.00