Villa vs Newcastle Premier League Opening Game Injury Roster Update

The opening match of the 2025-26 Premier League season will be about to start at Villa Park, and both Aston Villa and Newcastle United's lineups are plagued by injuries. According to Sports Mole, Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is absent due to suspension, and Morgan Rodgers (ankle), Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia (unpublicly injured) are suspected of playing. On the visiting team, Joe Willlock (Achilles tendon) and Alexander Isaac (personal affairs) confirmed their absence, and Anthony Gordon's ankle injury still needs to be evaluated. Both teams are expected to start, showing that Villa may use Bizzot to guard the goal, while Newcastle's forward may rely on the impact of Xavi Barnes and Anthony Ellanga.

Tactical level is worth paying attention to the changes in Villa's midfield combination - due to the possibility of Barkley's absence, Tillermans and Kamala's double midfield configuration will assume more responsibility for the ball. Opta data shows that Tillermans' passing success rate (83.1%) ranked among the top 15% of the Premier League in the same position last season, which is crucial to cracking Newcastle's high-pressure (PPDA 8.7 times/defensive action). The cooperation between Trippier and Ellanga on the right may be aimed at Villa left-back Digne's weakness in returning to defense (Whoscored's defensive rating 6.8 points).

This showdown hides subtle connections in the transfer market: Harvey Barnes on the Newcastle bench was once regarded by Villa as a target for wing recruitment, while Villa forward Oli Watkins is a long-term observer after Saudi capital took over Newcastle. According to TA reporter Ornstein, the two clubs may restart negotiations before the summer window is closed. When the newly promoted coach Emery meets Eddie Howe from the veteran team, this variable opening game may set the psychological tone for the two teams to compete for the European competition qualification.