Both Aston Villa and Newcastle will be looking for their first Premier League points for the new season when they compete on Saturday.
Last time out, Villa were beaten 3-2 by a high-ranking Watford team, with Danny Ing’s penalty in the last minute, which made the result line look more tasty. At the same time, Newcastle came out on the wrong side of a six-goal tension and lost 4-2 to West Ham on Sunday at lunchtime.
At least one of the sides is guaranteed to register their first point this week, but does any of the teams have enough to secure all three? Take a look at the 90min preview of the luminaire to find out.
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17.00 GMT + 1
When is it kick off? Saturday 21 August, 15:00 (BST)Where is it played? Villa Park, BirminghamWhat TV channel is it on? fuboTV (USA)Who is the judge? David CooteWho has VAR service? Jarred Gillett
Ollie Watkins may be back in battle / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Dean Smith has several injury problems to contend with on Saturday. Morgan Sanson and Trezeguet are both struggling with knee injuries and do not matter.
Douglas Luiz is also doubtful as he has endured a disrupted pre-season due to his involvement in the Olympics with Brazil. In addition, last season’s goal scorer Ollie Watkins is still recovering from a knee problem and will be followed closely. Striker Keinan Davis is unlikely to be involved.
Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka are both unavailable, which means that Freddie Woodman – who let in four but saved a penalty last time – continues in goal.
Paul Dummett is also struggling with a calf problem. This is the only outfield injury that concerns Steve Bruce ahead of his side’s trip to Birmingham.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young; McGinn, Luiz; El Ghazi, Buendia, Bailey; Ings.
Newcastle: Woodman; Murphy, Krafth, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie; Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron; Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
After starting the season after Jack Grealish with a disappointing defeat, Villa will be eager to impress in their first match at home in front of a full house.
Newcastle have frustrated better sides than this before – especially away from home – but they looked uncharacteristically sloppy in the back on Sunday.
Provided they can score first, Villa should have more than enough to win over the Magpies – especially in front of their own fans.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle
