Villa Park is set for an emotional and electric start to the 2025-26 Premier League season as Aston Villa hosts Newcastle United this Saturday, August 16, in a fixture that promises drama both on and off the pitch. The clash, kicking off at 12:30 PM BST, is more than just the opening match for these two storied clubs—it's a poignant moment for Birmingham and the world of rock, as Villa pays tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Prince of Darkness and lifelong Villan.
Saturday’s match carries extra significance for Aston Villa supporters and music fans alike. Just over two weeks after Ozzy Osbourne’s passing at age 76, the club will honor the heavy metal icon—whose ties to Birmingham and Villa Park run deep. Before a ball is even kicked, Villa Park’s big screens will display a special video tribute to Ozzy, recalling his final hometown performance with Black Sabbath during the Back to the Beginning concert at the stadium on July 5, 2025. As the players walk onto the pitch, the stadium will reverberate with Ozzy’s iconic rendition of “Crazy Train” from that night, setting an unforgettable tone for the afternoon.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. In the stadium’s Fan Zone, Bostin Brass—who also played at Ozzy’s public funeral procession—will treat fans to brass renditions of Ozzy and Black Sabbath classics. Supporters will have a chance to sign a book of condolences in the club store, a heartfelt gesture that will ultimately be presented to the Osbourne family. As the club put it, “Aston Villa is proud to remember Ozzy Osbourne, a music legend, and his connection to our club.”
Yet, for all the emotion swirling around the stands, there’s a vital footballing story unfolding on the pitch. Aston Villa, under the watchful eye of manager Unai Emery, is looking to bounce back after a sixth-place finish last season—a campaign that saw the Villans flirt with the top four before fading late. The team’s preseason was a mixed bag: they thrashed Roma 4-0 and secured wins over St. Louis City and Villarreal, but defensive weaknesses occasionally reared their head, highlighting areas Emery has worked to shore up.
Villa’s summer transfer activity has been headline-grabbing. Between the posts, Marco Bizot is expected to make his debut after joining from Brest, stepping in for Emiliano Martínez, who is suspended following a red card in the last match of the 2024-25 season. Up front, new £30 million signing Evann Guessand from Nice could feature alongside promising youngsters Yasin Ozcan and Zepiqueno Redmond. Tyrone Mings, having regained full fitness, is poised to reinforce the back line. Morgan Rogers, after overcoming recent training setbacks, should be available, but Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia remain doubts with minor injuries.
Predicted to start are Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Malen; and Watkins. The attacking line, led by Ollie Watkins and creative midfielder Douglas Luiz, will look to set the tempo early. The squad has been bolstered by new arrivals, adding depth and competition across the pitch—a necessity given Villa’s ambitions and the grueling Premier League calendar.
But Villa’s preparations have been overshadowed by the imminent departure of a homegrown star. Newcastle United, Saturday’s visitors, have agreed a £40 million fee for Villa winger Jacob Ramsey. The 24-year-old, who has made 167 appearances for the club, is expected to travel to the northeast for a medical, potentially making the switch before the opening whistle. For Aston Villa, the sale is a financial imperative: the club is walking a tightrope with UEFA’s financial fair play and Profit and Sustainability Regulations, having recently been fined £9.5m for breaches. As a result, Emery is unlikely to see much of the proceeds reinvested in his squad, though the club remains interested in re-signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Asensio, who impressed on loan last season.
Ramsey’s possible move adds intrigue to the fixture. Newcastle, coming off a trophy-winning year but enduring a frustrating transfer window, are eager for a boost. The Magpies have secured Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw, with Aaron Ramsdale joining on loan, but missed out on striker Benjamin Sesko, who opted for Manchester United. The saga around Alexander Isak continues to swirl, with the Swedish striker reportedly keen on a move to Liverpool—casting uncertainty over Newcastle’s attacking options.
On the pitch, Newcastle arrive with their own questions. Preseason has been rough for Eddie Howe’s men, with losses to Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Celtic. The experienced defensive duo of Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are set to start, but the attack will be missing Isak, whose future remains up in the air. No major new injuries have been reported, and the Magpies will look to their new signings and a settled backline to steady the ship.
For fans eager to tune in, the match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage beginning at 11:30 AM BST. International viewers can catch the action across a range of platforms: DAZN, fubo, Sky Sports, Canal+, and more, depending on region. For those traveling abroad or seeking alternative viewing options, VPN services are recommended to access home streaming subscriptions.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the stakes are high for both clubs. Villa, buoyed by a summer of celebration and remembrance, are keen to start the campaign with a statement win and prove they can push for Champions League qualification. Newcastle, looking to build on last season’s success, need a positive result to lift spirits after a challenging off-season and to integrate their new arrivals quickly.
And for the city of Birmingham, Saturday’s game is about more than football. It’s a chance to honor a beloved son, to unite in song and memory, and to show the world that the spirit of Ozzy Osbourne lives on in claret and blue. As the first notes of “Crazy Train” echo through Villa Park, expect a roar that will shake the stands and set the tone for a campaign filled with hope, emotion, and the unpredictable drama of Premier League football.
With the opening whistle drawing near, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Will Villa’s new signings rise to the occasion? Can Newcastle overcome their transfer turmoil and preseason woes? One thing’s certain: Saturday’s curtain-raiser at Villa Park will be an occasion to remember, both for the football and the legacy it celebrates.
