Unai Emery’s head-to-head record against Eddie Howe revealed as Aston Villa prepare for Newcastle
Aston Villa are set to start their 2025/26 Premier League season as they host Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Saturday.
Unai Emery‘s side have won three of their six pre-season friendlies this summer after they headed to the United States.
Off the pitch, things haven’t been quite so smooth sailing, with issues with Profit and Sustainability rules stunting their business.
However, the Villans look set to get off to the perfect start to the Premier League, with Emery’s fine record giving them a much-needed boost.
Emery boasts fine record against Eddie Howe
Aston Villa have done their best to prepare for their Premier League opener with Newcastle, having brought in Evann Guessand from French side Nice.
The Villans have also managed to tie the likes of Boubacar Kamara down to a new contract as they push away potential poachers.
On and off the pitch, Emery appears to have discovered a way of getting results against Howe and the Geordies.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per match |
| 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1.88 |
Emery boasts an impressive record against the former Bournemouth manager, having won five of the eight encounters.
Last season, Newcastle won the first encounter against Aston Villa 3-0, before Villa got revenge at Villa Park in a 4-1 win in April.
The Villans will be expecting another goal fest against Newcastle, with 25 goals being scored by the two teams across the last six encounters.
Emery’s side have had some big wins, including a 3-0 win of his own, but Howe has equally outmatched the Spaniard at times, most notably winning 5-0 in August 2023.
Read more: Aston Villa and Newcastle open talks over Ramsey transfer compromise before showdown
Villa can take advantage of Newcastle’s misfortunes
Newcastle have been knocking on Villa’s door to sign Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey this summer.
However, the Villans are likely not to sell the pair, and given the Magpies’ misfortunes in the transfer window so far, Emery could again have the advantage.
When Howe had a weakened side at Bournemouth and Emery was with Arsenal, the Spaniard got the better of his English counterpart in all three of their matchups.
With the Geordies having a weakened side, having not strengthened this summer, and Villa so far keeping hold of their valued assets, Emery could once again beat Howe.
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