Newcastle United battles Aston Villa as the Premier League returns in what should to be an intriguing game on Saturday.

Champions League ahead for Newcastle United

Prepare for an exhilarating season in the Newcastle United’s annals, as St. James’ Park welcomes back Champions League football.

The upper echelons of the organization have embraced a rational ambition, evident in their practical approach to transfers, yielding remarkable results. Surpassing expectations, the team secured Champions League qualification earlier than anticipated, prompting the initiation of efforts to shape a squad befitting of the challenge.

Complementing the core of Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak, Newcastle United is in pursuit of quality reinforcements. While aspiring to emulate the previous season’s prowess displayed by players like Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and Callum Wilson, let’s not overlook Kieran Trippier, who has undergone a rejuvenation.

The central objective remains the replenishment of the trophy cabinet in the nascent era of new ownership. This season marks the 55th anniversary since Newcastle United’s last major title triumph.

Aston Villa aims to be competitive again

At Aston Villa, the prevailing sentiment is rooted in the belief that if Unai Emery could orchestrate a complete transformation within six months last season, steering the team into European competition following the rapid dismissal of relegation concerns, then the possibilities for this campaign are captivating.

Emery’s substantial influence since arriving in Birmingham has been impressive. After last season, the proprietors gave him greater autonomy to sustain the ongoing mini-revolution.

Emery’s imprints are evident throughout, with the esteemed Monchi assuming the role of president of football operations and the promotion of Damian Vidagany, a trusted aide from the prior season, to director of football operations.

Aston Villa’s accelerated progress leaves us pondering the plausible heights achievable with a complete preseason under Emery’s stewardship. Could it be conquering the Europa Conference League, securing a top-six finish, or even challenging for a top-four spot?

The squad’s backbone has been fortified by Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans, and the dynamic Moussa Diaby, Emery’s foremost attacking target.

The heart of Villa’s defense and midfield appears robust, yet the striking department lacks similar depth. Ollie Watkins spearheads the attack with less competition. Cameron Archer, who continued his prolific Championship goal-scoring spree on loan at Middlesbrough last season, might earn another opportunity to impress.

Jaden Philogene’s brilliance upon his return from a successful loan spell at Cardiff is noteworthy, while the January arrival Jhon Durán missed preseason in the United States due to injury.

The departure of Ashley Young, a pivotal figure from Aston Villa’s previous European campaign and a standout performer at the age of 37 last season, signifies the team’s evolution plans. These are indeed thrilling times ahead.

The player to watch in this game is Callum Wilson, who had 18 goals and five assists in 31 Premier League games last season. AccuScore gives Callum Wilson a 47.8 percent chance to score against Aston Villa. He had 43 SCA and 10 GCA in 31 Premier League games this season.

FBRef defines SCA as “the two offensive actions leading directly to a shot, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls.” GCA is “the two offensive actions leading directly to a goal, such as passes, dribbles and drawing fouls.” Let’s take a closer look at where the value is at in this matchup.

DafaNews Picks

Team to Win (Regular Time)
• Newcastle United 1.73
• Aston Villa 4.60
• Draw 3.95

Spread
• Newcastle United -0.5, -1 (1.87)
• Aston Villa +0.5, +1 (1.87)

Total
• Over 2.5, 3 (1.87)
• Under 2.5, 3 (1.87)

Key Points to Consider

Head-to-Head: These two sides last matched up in Premier League action on April 15 and Aston Villa won 3-0.

Projected Leaders

For Newcastle United, Callum Wilson has a 47.8 percent chance to net the ball. He averages 2.12 shots overall per sim, 1.22 shots on goal per and 0.65 goals per sim.

For Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins has a 23.18 percent chance to score. He averages 1.26 shots overall per sim, 0.84 shots on goal per and 0.26 goals per sim.

Analyst’s Pick

Newcastle United 1.73

Two-star (out of four) AccuScore hot trend pick on Newcastle United in this one. Average score in simulations is Newcastle United 2.19 to Aston Villa 0.78.