Unai Emery and Villa have been hamstring by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), and have enjoyed a quiet window so far after their hectic winter. Things surely would’ve played out differently had they usurped Newcastle in the table on the final day.

Newcastle and Aston Villa in Striker Transfer BattleTransfer windows often provide storylines filled with intrigue and speculation, and this summer is proving no different. According to TeamTalk,

BBC Sport explores some of the major talking points surrounding the opening day fixture between Unai Emery's Aston Villa and Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, with both clubs experiencing a turbulent pre-season.