BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – On the money now the new season is kicking off? | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Saturday’s match.

Newcastle United kicking off the new season.

Facing Aston Villa away with a 12.30pm kick-off.

The Newcastle United players knowing how massive a positive result would be to kick things off

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 15 August 2025:

“Newcastle’s big problem is Alexander Isak, who surely won’t be involved while his future is being resolved.

“That means they are without one of the Premier League’s best strikers, and Anthony Gordon will probably play as a false nine, which is not ideal.

“Villa have their own issues and they must be struggling to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) because there has been a lot of talk of Ollie Watkins leaving this summer – they have signed another striker, Evann Guessand, but they definitely need to keep hold of Watkins too.

“This is a hard one to call because, despite all the doom and gloom surrounding Newcastle, they are still a strong and exciting side.

“But Villa are at home and we know how dangerous they are under Unai Emery, so I am going to back them to edge this and pile on the misery for Newcastle.

“Prediction: Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 1”

Singer Tom Grennan giving his prediction to BBC Sport:

“Both of these teams want to make the Champions League places and this is going to be close”

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 2

AI’s prediction: (The AI predictions were generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat – we simply asked the tool to ‘predict this weekend’s Premier League results’.)

Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 2

I think these three predictions sum up Saturday’s match, any of the three outcomes are possible.

Some valid points made by Chris Sutton and as he points out, Newcastle United haven’t suddenly become a poor team since last season’s trophy winning and top five side.

The Isak issues at Newcastle United have deflected from the fact that clubs such as Aston Villa have had their own issues in the transfer market this summer. Indeed, they are now set to lose Jacob Ramsey and when he is added to Elanga, Ramsdale and Thiaw, Newcastle for sure have had a better summer so far than Villa with incoming players added to the squad, with Yoane Wissa now seemingly set to sign as well.

Newcastle United gave Aston Villa all the help they needed in this fixture last season but in 2023/24 Eddie Howe’s side won 3-1 at Villa Park, plus of course won 3-0 at St James’ Park in December 2024.

Whilst of course it would be preferable having an Alexander Isak or similar playing through the middle and Gordon on the wing, a front three of Barnes, Gordon and Elanga (or Murphy), with Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton in support, doesn’t look too shabby to me.

I fancy United to get at least a point, assuming of course no more defensive gifts as happened on the last visit here.

Opening Newcastle United match schedule:

Saturday 16 August – Aston Villa v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Monday 25 August – Newcastle v Liverpool (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 30 August – Leeds v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 13 September – Newcastle v Wolves (3pm)

Saturday 20 September – Bournemouth v Newcastle (3pm)