Aston Villa will look to secure a top-four finish in 2025-26 after missing out on Champions League qualification last term.
They will kick start their new campaign against Newcastle United at Villa Park on Saturday.
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Unai Emery’s side failed to secure a spot in Europe’s elite competition following their 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on the final day of last season.
They aim to finish in the top-four this term but competition looks fierce with many teams vying for the limited spots.
Villa also have had an underwhelming summer transfer window, making their task even more difficult.
Marco Bizot and Yasin Ozan have joined the club, but Evann Guessand has been their only high-profile arrival so far.
The Midlands outfit lost their first two pre-season games before completing an unbeaten US tour.
They then claimed an emphatic 4-0 victory over Roma, but lost to Marseille before triumphing over Villarreal.
On the other hand, Newcastle have also endured a tough summer since securing fifth place in the Premier League.
They missed out on a long list of transfer targets, while star striker Alexander Isak is pushing to leave St James’ Park amid huge interest from Liverpool.
The pre-season results have also not been encouraging for them, with the Tyneside club failing to win any of their club friendlies.
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Villa will be missing Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia as the duo are recovering from their injury issues. Morgan Rogers is also struggling with an ankle problem, while Emiliano Martinez must serve a suspension following his red card at Man Utd last season.
As for Newcastle, Isak is unlikely to be part of the team amid speculation over his future. Joe Willock has also been sidelined by an Achilles injury.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United potential line-ups
Aston Villa: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Malen, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United prediction
Villa’s transfer business has not been very encouraging, but they still boast plenty of quality in their ranks. And given they will be playing in front of their home crowd, they should prevail against Newcastle on Saturday.
Aston Villa 1-0 Newcastle United
