On Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 17:00 GMT, Newcastle United welcome Aston Villa to St James’ Park for the 23rd English Premier League fixture of the 2025/26 season. This meeting brings together two historic clubs whose rivalry stretches back well over a century, producing a fixture rich in tradition, competitive balance, and evolving tactical narratives.
This article provides a fully analytical, objective, and data-driven examination of the head-to-head (H2H) history between Newcastle United and Aston Villa. It focuses exclusively on historical statistics, goalscoring trends, venue influence, tactical themes, and contextual background.
Match Information
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
- Competition: English Premier League
- Matchday: Round 23
- Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 17:00 GMT
- Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
As a late-afternoon fixture, this match arrives at a stage of the season where team identities are firmly established and historical performance data provides valuable analytical context.
Historical Background of the Fixture
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are among the most storied clubs in English football. Aston Villa, founded in 1874, were founding members of the Football League and remain one of the most decorated clubs in English history. Newcastle United, founded in 1892, have long been associated with passionate support, strong home form, and a prominent role in top-flight football.
Unlike some modern rivalries shaped by geography or recent success, this fixture is defined by:
- Longevity across multiple eras
- League and cup meetings spanning over a century
- Shifting periods of dominance
- Competitive balance across decades
Their head-to-head record reflects not just recent Premier League meetings, but also historical encounters across divisions and competitions.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa: All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Across all major competitive competitions, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have faced each other approximately 176 times.
📊 Head-to-Head Statistics (All Competitions)
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | ~176 |
| Newcastle United Wins | 76 |
| Aston Villa Wins | 60 |
| Draws | 40 |
| Goals Scored by Newcastle United | ~169 |
| Goals Scored by Aston Villa | ~137 |
| Total Goals Scored | ~306 |
These figures highlight a long-term competitive rivalry with Newcastle holding an overall edge in wins, while Aston Villa remain close enough to underline the fixture’s balance and unpredictability over time.
Interpreting the Head-to-Head Numbers
Newcastle United’s Historical Advantage
Newcastle’s 76 victories give them a noticeable advantage in the all-time record. This edge has often been driven by:
- Strong home performances at St James’ Park
- Periods of sustained top-flight consistency
- Effective use of wide play and transitional attacks
Historically, Newcastle have been particularly difficult to beat at home, where crowd intensity and tactical familiarity have contributed to positive results against Villa.
Aston Villa’s Competitive Presence
Aston Villa’s 60 wins demonstrate that this fixture has never been one-sided. Villa have enjoyed successful spells across multiple eras, often characterized by:
- Tactical structure in midfield
- Strong use of counter-attacks
- Efficient finishing during peak periods
Villa’s victories include both home and away successes, reinforcing their ability to compete regardless of venue.
Draws as a Defining Feature
With around 40 draws, stalemates form a significant part of this rivalry. This high draw count reflects:
- Closely matched tactical battles
- Defensive organization on both sides
- Periods where neither team asserted sustained dominance
The frequency of draws highlights the competitive equilibrium that has existed between these clubs across generations.
Goalscoring Trends and Analysis
With an estimated 300+ goals scored across all meetings, Newcastle vs Aston Villa averages roughly 1.7 to 2.0 goals per team per match, depending on the era considered.
Goals Breakdown
| Team | Goals Scored | Average per Match |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | ~169 | ~0.96 |
| Aston Villa | ~137 | ~0.78 |
| Total | ~306 | ~1.74 |
Key Goalscoring Observations
- Newcastle have historically scored slightly more goals per match in this fixture
- Aston Villa’s goals often arrive in clusters during strong competitive phases
- Many matches feature goals from set pieces or transitional play
- High-scoring games occur intermittently rather than consistently
This scoring distribution reinforces the idea that this fixture is more often competitive and tactical than free-flowing or goal-heavy.
Recent Head-to-Head Meetings
Looking at recent Premier League encounters helps illustrate how the rivalry has evolved in the modern era.
Selected Recent Results
| Date | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | Aston Villa vs Newcastle United | 0–0 |
| April 2025 | Aston Villa vs Newcastle United | 4–1 |
| December 2024 | Newcastle United vs Aston Villa | 3–0 |
| January 2024 | Aston Villa vs Newcastle United | 1–3 |
| August 2023 | Newcastle United vs Aston Villa | 5–1 |
These matches demonstrate:
- Alternating periods of dominance
- Occasional high-scoring outcomes
- Continued competitiveness regardless of venue
While Newcastle have recorded some emphatic home wins, Villa have responded with strong performances of their own, maintaining balance in the modern chapter of this rivalry.
Venue Influence: St James’ Park vs Villa Park
Newcastle United at St James’ Park
St James’ Park has long been one of the most distinctive stadiums in English football. For Newcastle, playing at home typically offers:
- Strong crowd engagement
- High-intensity pressing phases
- Confidence in wide attacking play
Historically, Newcastle’s win rate against Villa improves at home, where they have often dictated tempo and created higher shot volumes.
Aston Villa Away from Home
Aston Villa’s away performances against Newcastle have varied across eras. While some seasons saw struggles on Tyneside, others featured:
- Disciplined defensive displays
- Effective counter-attacking goals
- Tactical adaptability
Villa’s ability to secure wins away from home is a key reason this fixture remains competitive overall.
Tactical Themes in Newcastle vs Aston Villa Matches
Across decades of meetings, several recurring tactical patterns stand out:
Newcastle’s Tactical Identity
- Emphasis on wing play and crosses
- Direct transitions after regaining possession
- Physical presence in central areas
Newcastle’s approach has often focused on leveraging home energy and vertical movement.
Aston Villa’s Tactical Approach
- Structured midfield positioning
- Quick ball progression in transitions
- Utilization of overlapping full-backs
Villa’s ability to adjust tactically has enabled them to compete effectively even during periods of Newcastle dominance.
Context of the 23rd Matchday
The 23rd Premier League fixture typically marks a phase where:
- Tactical systems are fully embedded
- Squad depth and rotation become significant
- Historical trends align more closely with results
Matches at this stage often reflect long-term performance patterns rather than early-season volatility, making historical H2H analysis particularly relevant.
Newcastle United: Competitive Identity
Newcastle’s Premier League identity has been shaped by:
- Strong home performances
- Periodic rebuilding phases
- Emphasis on physicality and tempo
Their head-to-head record against Aston Villa mirrors this identity — competitive, resilient, and often strongest at St James’ Park.
Aston Villa: Tradition and Adaptability
Aston Villa’s long history in English football is defined by:
- Tactical evolution across eras
- Strong youth and recruitment phases
- Ability to rebound after transitional seasons
Their consistent presence in this rivalry underscores their enduring competitiveness.
Key Statistical Insights
From the Newcastle vs Aston Villa H2H data:
- Newcastle lead overall wins
- Aston Villa remain within competitive reach
- Draws form a significant portion of results
- Goals are evenly distributed across eras
- Venue influences outcomes but does not dictate dominance
These insights reinforce why this fixture continues to attract analytical and fan interest.
Fan and Media Interest
Newcastle vs Aston Villa generates attention due to:
- Historic significance of both clubs
- Balanced long-term rivalry
- Passionate fanbases
- Tactical intrigue
Search interest around “Newcastle vs Aston Villa head-to-head stats” consistently rises ahead of fixtures, highlighting demand for historical context rather than speculative analysis.
Final Summary
The Newcastle United vs Aston Villa head-to-head record reflects a rivalry built on longevity, balance, and competitive integrity. With over 170 meetings, Newcastle holding a narrow edge in wins, Aston Villa contributing substantial victories, and draws forming a key component, this fixture stands as one of English football’s quietly enduring matchups.
As Newcastle and Aston Villa meet again on January 25, 2026, the head-to-head numbers offer a rich and factual framework for understanding the history that defines this Premier League encounter.
