Who Newcastle United are set to open their season against as Premier League fixtures released

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Newcastle United have learned who they will face on the opening day of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

It feels like hardly any time at all has passed since Newcastle United brought their brilliant campaign to an underwhelming close in May.

Eddie Howe’s side slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Everton at St. James’ Park but still managed to secure their Champions League spot after Aston Villa controversially lost to Manchester United.

It was a huge slice of luck that Newcastle earned after a great season, though, which also saw them bring their long wait for a trophy to an end with the Carabao Cup.

The 2025-26 campaign promises even more magical moments and Newcastle now know who they will be opening the curtain against.

• Newcastle United key dates for 2025-26 season: Transfer window, Champions League & Premier League fixtures

Newcastle United’s opening Premier League fixture of 2025-26 is against Aston Villa

Newcastle will take on Aston Villa in their first match of the new campaign, beginning the season with an away trip to Villa Park.

The game will take place on Saturday, August 16, but there is already a difficult away trip for fans as the game kicks off at the early time of 12:30pm for television coverage.

It’s an ironic first opponent for Howe’s side, as it was Villa’s unfortunate slip-up on the final day that meant Newcastle still qualified for the Champions League.

Newcastle’s first game at St. James’ Park couldn’t have been harder against reigning champions Liverpool, while they will also face Leeds, Wolves, Bournemouth and Arsenal in a tricky opening stretch.

Newcastle’s first six Premier League fixtures

• Gameweek 1: Aston Villa (A)
• Gameweek 2: Liverpool (H)
• Gameweek 3: Leeds United (A)
• Gameweek 4: Wolves (H)
• Gameweek 5: Bournemouth (A)
• Gameweek 6: Arsenal (H)

Newcastle United record vs Aston Villa

Newcastle face Aston Villa in their opening game and it’s certainly not the most comfortable of starts for them, though the Villains will certainly be thinking the same thing.

The Magpies have a better historical record over Unai Emery’s side, at least, and have won five of the last seven meetings. They won 3-0 when they met in the North East last season.

However, their last encounter at Villa Park came very recently in April and Villa destroyed Newcastle 4-1 in a shocking result. Howe will have to play a different game this time around.