John McGinn says Aston Villa want to copy two things from Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

John McGinn has compared Newcastle United to Aston Villa ahead of the two sides facing off on Saturday.

It is Aston Villa vs Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, with John McGinn expected to lead his side out.

There was briefly a chance that he could have been representing the opposition, with Newcastle enquiring about signing McGinn earlier this summer.

The 30-year-old was on the Magpies’ list of midfielder targets, but Eddie Howe has taken his business elsewhere. Newcastle are signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa instead, but he will not make his Toon debut at Villa Park this weekend.

It is an incredibly intriguing game to start the new campaign, and McGinn has admitted that he is keen for Aston Villa to emulate their opponents.

John McGinn wants Aston Villa to copy Newcastle United’s trophy success

The 2024/25 season was historic for Newcastle United. They won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League.

It was a remarkable campaign, and one that McGinn is eager for Aston Villa to copy.

“It’s always a big game,” he told Aston Villa’s official website.

“There’s always good games between us. We’ve obviously been a direct rival for a few seasons for European spots.

“What they achieved last year – winning a trophy and getting into the Champions League – is something that we’re striving for.

“Hopefully, this year, our form at Villa Park can carry on, and we can start with three points.

“It’s a big game and one we’re looking forward to.”

Newcastle United’s record against Aston Villa under Eddie Howe

As McGinn says, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been direct rivals in recent years. They are on similar trajectories, with Eddie Howe and Unai Emery doing wonderful jobs at their respective clubs.

Since becoming Newcastle United manager, Howe’s record against Villa is largely excellent.

Howe has faced Villa seven times as Toon boss, winning five and losing two. Those two losses did come at Villa Park, with the most recent being last season.

Emery’s team were well clear of Newcastle at Villa Park last season, winning 4-1.

Newcastle had Alexander Isak leading the line that day, but that will not be the case on Saturday. Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle, amid uncertainty regarding his future.