The 2026-27 English Premier League season continues with a fascinating matchup between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James Park.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides more insight into the October 17 encounter.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Newcastle United enter this clash on the back of a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Coventry City in their previous outing. The Magpies are 11th in the Premier League standings this season with just eight points from their six games so far and with a negative goal difference of three. They have won two games, suffered two defeats and have also recorded two draws under new head coach Matthias Jaissle, who replaced Eddie Howe in the summer.
Diomande and four other most expensive African signings of the 2026 summer window
Aston Villa, on the other hand, have also endured a tough start to the season and are currently 16th in the Premier League standings, just two points above the drop zone. The Europa League champions have struggled to match last season’s feat and are averaging less than one point per game currently.
They have won just once this season and have also recorded two draws, losing three times to leave them on five points after six games. The have scored six goals and conceded 11, to leave them with a -5 goal difference.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head
(Last five meetings)
- 14.02.2026 – Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle
- 25.01.2026 – Newcastle 0-2 Aston Villa
- 16.08.2025 – Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
- 19.04.2025 – Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle
- 26.12.2024 – Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa
This fixture has been evenly matched in recent meetings, with both sides picking up two wins each in their last five matches, while one other game ended in a stalemate.
Best betting odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.18 (via Betway)
Prediction
Recent history favour this clash to produce multiple goals, and this particular clash will continue that trend, with the match expected to be very open and with plenty goalscoring chances.
Recent form: Newcastle United
Newcastle suffered their second defeat of the season by the same scoreline in their last outing, losing 4-1 to Coventry City after also going down to Leeds United by the same scoreline last month.
The Magpies have kept only one clean sheet this season, while they remain unbeaten in three games at home.
We’re good to go at the Coventry Building Society Arena ✊ https://t.co/NqF7MpvVDw
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 12, 2026
Recent form: Aston Villa
Aston Villa are now unbeaten in two games after previously losing three of their opening four matches in the Premier League.
Villa’s only win of the season also came away from home, when they edged Tottenham 3-2 before the international break.
Player to watch
Nicolas Jackson (Aston Villa)
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The Senegalese forward is gradually hitting form at Aston Villa and will be eyeing another goalscoring performance to help them to victory.
Nicolas Jackson’s pace and movement off the ball could prove difficult for the Newcastle defence to handle and could be very crucial if his side are to get a result from this clash.
