Newcastle United Prepares for the 2025-26 Season
Newcastle United is gearing up for the 2025-26 season following a triumphant campaign, having finally secured silverware after a 70-year wait by defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. The Magpies will commence their new season with a challenging outing at Aston Villa and subsequently welcome the reigning champions, Liverpool, to St. James’ Park.
The Rivalry with Sunderland
A notable highlight of the upcoming season will be the return of the long-standing rivalry with Sunderland in the Premier League, as the Black Cats gained promotion through the playoffs in May. The first encounter, part of the north east derby, is set for December 13 at the Stadium of Light, with the second leg planned for March 21 at Newcastle’s home ground.
Historically, these derby matches evoke a passionate atmosphere, and despite Newcastle’s ascension to the Champions League and their recent Carabao Cup victory, the games against Sunderland promise intense competition and significance for fans. The last league meetings occurred in 2016, ending in a 1-1 draw, marking a halt to Sunderland’s dominance of six consecutive victories at that time. Although Newcastle registered a 3-0 triumph in the FA Cup last January, Sunderland will undoubtedly be seeking redemption. The timing of the away match at Sunderland, just after a Champions League fixture, presents an interesting challenge for manager Eddie Howe.
Formidable Schedule
The start of Newcastle’s season features a formidable schedule: following the early match against Aston Villa, they will face Liverpool at home and then travel to newly-promoted Leeds. December will further test their mettle, particularly with clashes against Chelsea and Manchester United shortly after Christmas. However, last season saw Newcastle triumph over many of these rivals, aside from Leeds, which speaks to their current standing in the league.
Preparations for Transfers and Competitions
As the club prepares for the upcoming season, there’s also a focus on the transfer windows. The exceptional pre-Club World Cup transfer activity opened on June 1 and closed on June 10, with the summer window reopening on June 16. Moreover, Premier League clubs will prepare to enter the FA Cup at the third round in January 2026, as the Carabao Cup kicks off in mid-August.
The Champions League will also see Newcastle competing, having last experienced European football in the tournament during the 2023-24 season, where they were eliminated in the group stages.
Looking Ahead
The league’s final round of matches will occur on May 24, 2026, marking the end of a season brimming with anticipation for fans and players alike.
