Newcastle United’s plans for the 2025/26 Premier League season have been confirmed following the release of the fixture dates.
Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping to build on the fifth-place finish they achieved in the Premier League last time out, albeit that was still enough to earn qualification for the Champions League.
Newcastle United have some big games to look forward to, not least because of the return of arch rivals Sunderland.
Still, it’s a difficult start because Newcastle’s first game of the 2025/26 season is away at Aston Villa, before they meet Liverpool the week after.
With that in mind, here are some early predictions for Newcastle United’s first six games of the Premier League season.
- READ MORE: When Newcastle United face Sunderland and more key dates as Premier League fixtures released
Predicting Newcastle United’s first six games of the Premier League season
(Dates and times subject to change)
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United – 12.30pm BST on 16 August 2025, Villa Park
That is a nightmare start for Howe’s side.
Newcastle were thrashed 4-1 at Villa Park on their last visit in April. Indeed, Newcastle have won only one of their last six trips to the Birmingham giants.
It’s already looking like a difficult summer for Newcastle and the thought of starting the campaign at Villa is a concern. Unai Emery’s side are a force to be reckoned with at home and will have a point to prove after missing out on Champions League qualification.
While not to be too negative, a draw would be a positive result.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle United
Newcastle United vs Liverpool –23 August 2025, St James’ Park
It doesn’t get any easier for Newcastle the following week, either.
Howe’s side welcome Premier League champions Liverpool to St James’ Park.
Though they ended their hoodoo against the Reds in the Carabao Cup final in March and drew 3-3 with them at home in December, the Magpies generally have a very poor record against the Merseyside giants.
Liverpool want to sign Anthony Gordon this summer, which is another interesting potential facet of the game. Should he join Arne Slot’s side, one of his first games could be against his former club.
Sadly, it’s hard to back Newcastle over Liverpool right now.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool
Leeds vs Newcastle United – 30 August 2025, Elland Road
It gets slightly easier for Newcastle here, at least on paper.
Still, it’s hard to imagine any team particularly wanting to go to a resurgent Elland Road, even if Newcastle should fancy their chances of beating a newly promoted side.
The Yorkshire giants are interested in a number of Newcastle players, too. Leeds want to sign Sean Longstaff, although Nick Pope and Callum Wilson have also been linked.
With that in mind, there could be a reunion of sorts in Yorkshire. Newcastle, however, have to back themselves to win. If they don’t, it looks like a nightmare start to the campaign.
Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Newcastle
Newcastle United vs Wolves – 13 September 2025, St James’ Park
After the first international break of the season, Newcastle host Wolves.
They beat the Molineux side both home and away last season, albeit neither game was particularly straightforward.
At home, however, Howe’s side should surely feel confident.
They have generally been excellent at St James’ under the Newcastle United manager, and these are exactly the kind of games they’ve made a distinct habit of winning.
It’s hardly a game you’d relish after an international break but if Newcastle don’t win that, questions would be asked.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Wolves
Bournemouth vs Newcastle United – 20 September, Vitality Stadium
There’s an old adage to suggest there are no easy games in the Premier League.
Given the state of the promoted sides in recent years, that has proven to be untrue.
However, Bournemouth are one of few recently promoted sides to have built a presence in the Premier League and Howe has never beaten his former club.
The Cherries were unlucky to draw with Newcastle at home last season, while they thumped the Toon 4-1 at St James’ in January.
One of the most impressive teams in the Premier League last season, it’s another hugely difficult game.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle
Newcastle United vs Arsenal – 27 September 2025, St James’ Park
While these predictions unfortunately sound rather dreary, Newcastle can feel confident about a clash with Arsenal at home.
Howe’s side beat the Gunners three times last season, twice making light work of them at St James’ in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s side have generally struggled on Tyneside. Newcastle appear to be their bogey team, albeit they did beat the Magpies as recently as May.
However, little about what Arsenal have done on Tyneside in recent seasons should worry Newcastle.
With that in mind, a win does not feel out of the question.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
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