Aston Villa Vs Newcastle Live Updates: An Exciting First Half Concludes At Villa Park

It's half-time at the Villa Park, but neither team have broken the goal dreadlock.

It has been 30 minutes of gruesome back-and-forth action of football, but neither team came close to scoring.

Newcastle dominating Villa with 6 shorts on target

3rd minute: Anthony Elanga nearly opened the scoring for Newcastle only to be denied by Villa keeper Bizot. A strong start for Magpies

Match begins at Villa Park

Both teams observe one minute silence for late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Villa Park

Both Team out on pitch for their respective opening match of the season

Team News

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Aston Villa and Newcastle United kick off their new Premier League campaigns in a clash shaped by the final-day drama of last season. Both teams were chasing Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign. Villa, in particular, were within touching distance they needed a win against Manchester United to seal a top-four finish. But a 2–0 defeat, made even more frustrating by a contentious decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ early goal, dashed their hopes. Newcastle also fell short that day, losing at home to Everton.

However, Villa’s slip meant the Magpies held onto fifth place, clinching a Europa League spot. Villa could unveil several of their summer signings in the opener. Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot, signed from Brest, is in line to start between the sticks in place of Emiliano Martínez, who is suspended following a red card in that decisive final match against Manchester United. Other potential debutants include striker Evann Guessand, brought in from Nice, and promising youngsters Yasin Ozcan and Zepiqueno Redmond.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Mings has returned to full fitness and is expected to lead Villa’s defence. Newcastle may also field some of their new recruits. Winger Anthony Elanga, signed from Nottingham Forest for £55 million, could feature, along with centre-back Malick Thiaw, who arrived from AC Milan. In goal, Aaron Ramsdale—on loan from Southampton—might get the nod ahead of Nick Pope. Let me know if you'd like this adapted for a match preview or shorter news snippet.

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