Featured Tip from James Bartman

Pick Details

Sport / league:: EPL
Event / fixture:: Aston Villa vs. Newcastle
Event date: Sat, 16 Aug 2025 at 9:30 PM
Market:: Head-to-head
Tip:: Aston Villa @ 2.30 (next2go)

Seven of the last eight EPL meetings between the two sides were won by the home team. Aston Villa finished last season with five consecutive home wins, and with little player turnover this summer, they should hit the ground quickly. Newcastle have endured a frustrating summer as most of their transfer targets opted for other clubs. Manager Eddie Howe is having to juggle multiple jobs due to Chief executive Darren Eales’ stepping down with health issues and sporting director Paul Mitchell’s sudden departure. Added to the mix is the transfer saga over Alexander Isak, who missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to transfer interest by Liverpool. The Athletic reported that the striker was “adamant he will never represent Newcastle again”. Isak’s unavailability is compounded by the departure of Callum Wilson. Newcastle went 0-0-5 as the away underdog last season.

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