The Premier League fixture list has handed Newcastle United a very difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign.
Eddie Howe’s side will take on two ‘big six’ sides in their opening six Premier League fixtures, with Liverpool and Arsenal heading to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United will start the season away from home, taking on an incredibly strong Aston Villa at Villa Park.
It is going to be a challenging start to the season for Eddie Howe, who will be keen to build on Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.
Newcastle United fans react as 2025/26 Premier League fixtures are confirmed
Newcastle will want to start the season well, but that will be a challenge based on the fixture list. As well as games against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal, the Magpies are due to face Leeds United, Wolves, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Brighton in the formative weeks of the 2025/26 campaign.
While it is a simple case of having to play against each team twice, some Newcastle United fans are concerned about the tricky start that they have been given.
“Well that could have been kinder,” wrote this fan on X.
A second Newcastle fan added: “First six are tricky but I don’t hate it, need to get going in the transfer market now ins and outs.”
“A strong chance of getting zero points from the first three fixtures but we will have quickly got rid of three horrible games,” commented a third Toon supporter.
This fan added: “Couldn’t have asked for a tougher opening couple of games. Fulham away on the final day sparks good memories though & the third time under Howe that we’ll end the season in West London.
Another Newcastle supporter wrote: “We’ve got to play everyone twice but that’s two very tough opening fixtures. Time to get some new signings through the door.”
Finally, this Newcastle United fan summed up the start to the season, posting on X: “Rotten start that.”
Pressure on PIF to make early Newcastle United signings
As some fans have pointed out, there is now added pressure on Newcastle United to conduct some early transfer business. The sooner new players arrive, the sooner they can be integrated into the team and have an impact.
Eddie Howe wants two new signings before pre-season begins, with the Newcastle United players due back for training on July 7th. That gives the Toon hierarchy less than three weeks to step up their efforts to bring reinforcements to St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s top target right now is Joao Pedro. The 23-year-old looks ideal for Howe’s side, as the Newcastle United manager goes in search of additional attacking options. Pedro can provide that, with the Brazilian capable of playing anywhere across the front. He can support Alexander Isak, while also being an option out wide.
Elsewhere, Newcastle’s James Trafford move appears to be on hold. Burnley’s asking price has proven to be an issue, with the Clarets looking to receive £40million for the goalkeeper.
In terms of a centre-back, Newcastle are looking at Ousmane Diomande and Marc Guehi.
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