Two clubs, two rebuilds, one shared growing pain. Newcastle and Aston Villa arrive at St James' Park on Saturday carrying identical scars from a summer that stripped both squads of their key pillars.

Newcastle's bright start fades

The upheaval at Newcastle ran deeper than the losses of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon. Manager Eddie Howe announced his shock exit during pre-season — just 25 days before the opening fixture — after nearly five years in charge, forcing the club to search for a new head coach while simultaneously patching gaps across the pitch.

Matthias Jaissle stepped into the role, and the early signs were encouraging. Newcastle went unbeaten in their first five league games, yet a brutal 4-1 defeat at Leeds United signalled trouble ahead. They have since suffered the same scoreline in their next away outing, marking the first time since 2012 that Newcastle have conceded four or more goals in consecutive Premier League away matches.