Sunday’s Premier League spotlight shifts to St James’ Park as two of the division’s top European performers, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, clash in a high-stakes encounter.
Unai Emery’s Villa face the ultimate test of their title credentials against a Newcastle side that remains unbeaten at home in 2026. The Magpies, bolstered by their own midweek 3–0 Champions League triumph over PSV, are looking to protect a staggering 17-game unbeaten home run against the Lions. With the race for the top four tightening, both sides are desperate to bounce back from underwhelming domestic results last time out.
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa – Match Preview and Team News
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
Referee: Jarred Gillett
VAR: John Brooks
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 0–0 Newcastle (16 Aug 2025), Premier League
Team News
Newcastle United
The Magpies are sweating on the fitness of captain Bruno Guimarães, who was substituted with an ankle injury during the midweek win over PSV. Eddie Howe stated the extent is still “unknown” but hopes to give him “every chance” to feature. Lewis Miley stands ready to deputise if the Brazilian fails a late fitness test. While Dan Burn is pushing to return, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, and Jacob Murphy remain sidelined.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery confirmed that John McGinn (knee) is out for “some weeks”. He joins Boubacar Kamara and Ross Barkley in the treatment room. However, Leon Bailey is available and “coming here fit” after his recent return. First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (calf) is a major doubt after missing the trip to Fenerbahçe. Amadou Onana is back fit and could bolster the midfield.
Form
Newcastle United
The Magpies have turned St James’ Park into a genuine fortress, remaining unbeaten in their last 17 home league games against Villa. Notably, Newcastle have scored at least twice in each of their last eight home Premier League games. Eddie Howe needs one more victory to equal Roy Hodgson as the third-most successful English manager in Premier League history.
Aston Villa
After scoring in 10 consecutive games, Villa have failed to score in their last two league outings despite recording 33 shots. Only Arsenal have won more away points than Villa’s 18 this season. However, the Lions currently have a negative goal difference on the road. They recently secured their place in the Europa League round of 16 with a 1–0 win over Fenerbahçe.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
Aston Villa Predicted XI: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
How to watch Newcastle vs Aston Villa?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports. Coverage is scheduled to start at 13:00 GMT.
