The rollercoaster that is the rebuild for Newcastle and Aston Villa

Newcastle and Aston Villa are both navigating rebuilds after losing key players in the summer; Newcastle started well but their form has dipped; Villa are showing signs of improvement; watch Newcastle vs Aston Villa live on Saturday Night Football, kick-off 5.30pm

Welcome aboard the rollercoaster that is a rebuild in the Premier League. Before we begin, please ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened and keep hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.

Newcastle and Aston Villa, who face each other live on Saturday Night Football, were two sides dismantled in the summer transfer window. Teams with clear identities, forced into new eras.

The Magpies, after also losing Eddie Howe, retained 70 per cent of their league minutes from last season, the fourth-lowest figure, while Villa made the biggest change at just 49 per cent.

Now the two sides face off live on Sky Sports, with their form in the league to start the 2026/27 season fluctuating as a result of the upheaval they endured during the summer.

Here, Sky Sports dissects the turbulent time and outlines why more twists and turns are likely on the way.

Source: Sky Sports