Newcastle United could hand competitive debuts to all of Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw in their Premier League opener away at Aston Villa on Saturday but Jacob Ramsey will not feature.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United kicks off a busy day of Premier League action on Saturday, with Eddie Howe’s side looking to respond after a difficult summer in the transfer market.
Newcastle are looking to build on their best season in living memory last time out but have endured a bruising few months. The club have missed out on some high-profile transfer targets, while star player Alexander Isak is trying to leave St James’ Park.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. Newcastle boast a fine squad packed full of talent and the additions of Elanga, Thiaw, Ramsdale and Ramsey offer some much-needed depth.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest confirmed team news, injury latest and our predicted lineup ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Aston Villa.
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Confirmed Newcastle United team news vs Aston Villa
Howe has confirmed that Thiaw is in the squad, although it remains to be seen if the summer signing is thrown straight into the starting lineup.
Ramsey won’t be registered in time to play for Newcastle against Villa, though both Elanga and Ramsdale are available.
Isak will not feature as he continues to try and leave the club this summer amid interest from Liverpool.
Howe has confirmed that Joe Willock is Newcastle’s only injured player against Villa, with Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman having shaken off knocks sustained in pre-season.
“Everyone is available apart from Joe, and he’s not too far away himself,” said the Newcastle United manager.
“We have a relatively good looking squad in terms of injury news. Malick will be part of the squad, he has trained two days, never easy coming in at the end of pre-season, but he’s doing well.”
Lewis Hall is also fully fit.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Aston Villa
It would be a surprise to see either of Ramsdale or Thiaw start, considering the trust Howe has had in his backline over the past few months.
Elanga, however, will likely start as part of a floating frontline alongside Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Injured: Willock
Unavailable: Isak, Ramsey
Time and date: 12.30pm BST on Saturday 16 August 2025
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports, Discovery+
Referee: Craig Pawson, Peter Bankes (VAR)
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