Paul Merson has just predicted the result of Aston Villa vs Newcastle amid Alexander Isak saga

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Newcastle United begin their new Premier League campaign with a trip to Aston Villa.

The two clubs fought until the final day of the 2024/25 season to qualify for the Champions League, and it was Newcastle who got through on goal difference.

That was painful for Villa fans, who would love nothing more than to get their revenge when the two sides meet this Saturday.

Paul Merson predicts the result of Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

Newcastle and Aston Villa both have their own problems ahead of the new season.

Unai Emery will be without Emiliano Martinez following his red card at the end of last term, while Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia are expected to miss the game due to injuries.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are set to be without Alexander Isak due to his ongoing transfer saga. The Swede wants to leave Newcastle and has no interest in playing another game for them.

Joe Willock is ruled out due to an injury he picked up in pre-season, but there is hope that Anthony Gordon will be available.

Despite that, Paul Merson thinks Newcastle don’t stand a chance when they face Villa because they are a different team without Isak.

He wrote on Sportskeeda: “This is a big football match. These two clubs were tipped to fight for a top-five place but haven’t been able to strengthen their squad in the transfer window. Newcastle, especially, have had a nightmare window considering they won the EFL Cup and qualified for the Champions League.

“You can only feel sorry for Newcastle with what has happened over the last few weeks. Big players like Alexander Isak call the shots in football these days. They will always want to play with the best players in the world. So the ball is firmly in his court.

“If Newcastle freeze him out of the first team, he can still leave in January. Isak isn’t the first person to do this, so I don’t blame him! He could have left as a hero, if he had been more patient though. That almost seems impossible now. His image is tarnished, and it will be a sour feeling whenever he leaves.

“I’d be shocked if Newcastle don’t get rid of Isak before the summer transfer deadline. He won’t care if he has to sit there and do nothing for the next six months because he will still attract interest from top clubs in January. So it’s best to sell him now in my opinion.

“Newcastle set the bar really high last season, and I expect it to be really tough for them this time around. I don’t think they are the same team without Isak, and I expect Villa to beat them in his absence.”

Merson’s prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle United

What happened in Aston Villa’s last five meetings with Newcastle United?

Aston Villa and Newcastle are both great examples for smaller clubs to follow.

Just a few years ago, both sides were in trouble, but the way they have turned things around and qualified for the Champions League in recent years is really admirable.

But how have they fared against each other over the last few seasons?

Newcastle have won three of their last five games against Aston Villa, but they suffered a 4-1 defeat in their most recent meeting in the Premier League.

Emery will fancy his side’s chances on Saturday as he knows that the Magpies are not as good as they were last season without Isak leading their line.

However, with Martinez suspended for the game, Newcastle could take advantage.