The Battle on the Pitch: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa – Where to Watch

Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa: A Clash of Rising Premier League Giants

Introduction

In a pre-season friendly match that carries significant meaning for both clubs, Newcastle United will take on Aston Villa at the Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania on Sunday. As the teams continue their preparations for the upcoming 2023/24 English top-flight season, both sides are poised to build upon their recent successes and make a mark in the Premier League.

Newcastle United’s Rise to Prominence

After a 20-year absence from the top table of European football, Newcastle United, under the ownership of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, secured a commendable fourth-place finish in last season’s Premier League. This achievement not only solidified their position in the Premier League but also earned them a spot in European competition.

Managed by Eddie Howe, Newcastle United will now seek to maintain their level of consistency in the new season. Their unbeaten pre-season campaign, which includes convincing victories against non-league outfit Gateshead FC and Scottish giants Rangers, highlights their readiness for the challenges ahead.

Aston Villa’s Progress under Unai Emery

Similarly, Aston Villa has experienced a significant improvement in fortunes under the guidance of former Arsenal boss Unai Emery. Last season, they went from battling against relegation to securing an impressive seventh-place finish in the Premier League, which granted them a spot in the Europa Conference League.

Aston Villa’s pre-season preparations got off to a decent start with a 1-1 draw against Walsall. However, facing a stronger opponent in Newcastle United will provide a true test for Emery’s side. They will be eager to display their progress and start the new season on a positive note.

How to Watch

To catch this exciting clash between Newcastle United and Aston Villa, viewers can watch it live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. The kick-off time for fans in the UK is 12 am BST. For fans unable to access these channels, live updates and match analysis can be found on the GOAL website.

Team News

For Newcastle United, Jacob Murphy and Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka are expected to return to action after recovering from shoulder and wrist problems, respectively. However, influential attacker Allan Saint-Maximin will be unavailable as he prepares to make a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

In addition, Nick Pope, Newcastle’s primary goalkeeper, has recently returned to light training after a wrist problem, but may not feature in the pre-season friendly. Emil Krafth is also set to remain absent as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

On the other hand, Aston Villa’s summer signings Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans are included in the traveling squad for the match. However, the newly acquired Moussa Diaby is unlikely to feature as he is yet to meet his new teammates.

Possible Lineups

Newcastle United: Karius; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Anderson, Longstaff, Tonali; Almiron, Wilson, Murphy

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, J. Ramsey; Watkins

Head-to-Head Record

The most recent encounter between these two clubs took place in April, with Aston Villa emerging as 3-0 victors. Over their last five head-to-head matches, both teams have had a relatively even record, with two wins, one draw, and two losses each. This makes Sunday’s match a crucial opportunity for both sides to gain an advantage.

Conclusion

As the Premier League Summer Series provides a platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies and assess their squads, the match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa takes on added significance. Both clubs have witnessed an upward trajectory in recent seasons and will aim to carry their positive momentum into the upcoming Premier League campaign.

For Newcastle United, maintaining the levels of consistency and performance established last season will be key in solidifying their position at the top table of English football. Aston Villa, on the other hand, will seek to build upon their impressive progress under Unai Emery and continue their ascent in the Premier League.

Given the historical parity between the two sides, Sunday’s clash promises to be a captivating showdown. Football fans, whether in the UK or elsewhere, should keep an eye on this compelling matchup that showcases the rising giants of the Premier League.