The 5 games that could define Newcastle United's 2025/26 season

77phThere was a roar at Wembley in March 2025 when Dan Burn’s header looped into the net and Alexander Isak raced through to seal a moment for which Newcastle United supporters had waited their whole lives.

ph888Their 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final gave the Magpies their first major trophy since 1955 and opened a new chapter in the club’s story.

fachaiThat win also became the emotional high point of a season that ended with Eddie Howe’s team collecting 66 Premier League points, six more than the year before.

The Tyneside club finished fifth after edging out Aston Villa on goal difference.

That result brought a return to the Champions League for the Magpies and confirmed that progress was no longer a dream but a real direction.

Now, with new season starting in the month and a half, we look at five fixtures that could be crucial to where the Newcastle United finish in the Premier League.

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Aston Villa (Away) – August 16, 2025

Eddie Howe side’s new campaign opens with a visit to Villa Park where Newcastle face a side they pipped for the Champions League berth.

The fixture has obvious intrinsic merit, with both teams battling for top spots last season and getting a good result here would give some breathing room to Eddie Howe heading into stretch of tough games.

Liverpool (Home) – August 25, 2025

This is Newcastle’s first major home test and comes just nine days after their season opener.

Premier League champions Liverpool have been a perennial thorn for the Newcastle but Eddie Howe and his men managed to get one back over the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.

A win would offer the belief to the Tyneside club but a defeat could expose weaknesses early in the season.

Chelsea (Home) – December 20, 2025

The fatigue and the injuries are going to begin to strike in December, and this game comes at a time when some sense of clarity will be required.

Chelsea are the direct rival for the Champions League spots and with this match falling just before the festive run of games, momentum could swing heavily in one direction or the another.

A win would create separation while a loss might cause unwanted pressure heading into January.

Manchester City (Away) – February 21, 2026

Newcastle’s trip to the Etihad comes at a point in the season when the table begins to take shape and the league’s true contenders start to stand out and February is when Manchester City usually find their best form and Newcastle have never managed a Premier League win at this stadium.

If Eddie Howe manages to take even a point at City it could hugely benefit Newcastle later this season.

Arsenal (Away) – April 25, 2026

With four games remaining after this, the visit to the Emirates might determine whether Newcastle make it to the Champions League or miss out.

Arsenal finished second last season and have turned their home turf into a stronghold.

If Newcastle remain in contention for the top five, this match could shape the final outcome and while any slip-up would likely leave them chasing results elsewhere.

Newcastle United news and related links

• Eddie Howe explains Alexander Isak’s absence against Celtic amid transfer speculation
• Newcastle learn asking price for long-term transfer target Giorgio Scalvini
• Newcastle United’s 2025/26 preseason: Fixtures, squad updates and transfer latest for Eddie Howe’s side