It’s almost time to start getting excited for the new Premier League season as the fixtures for the 22/23 campaign are released this Thursday (June 16).
If we pretend last season’s opening day away at Watford never happened, Aston Villa’s recent history on game one is pretty decent in fairness.
There have been a few disappointing defeats with Wigan in 2009 ringing a bell but predominantly, the Villans have had their fair share of success when kicking off their campaign.
One thing that has been an absolute given in recent years is an away day - which is never a bad thing really as a football fan.
Seven of Villa’s last eight opening day fixtures have been away from home with the one game at Villa Park being played behind closed doors in 20/21.
Five of the last 13 have been against the now ‘top six,’ whilst five of the away days have been trips to London in August.
BirminghamWorld have taken a look the last 13 opening day fixtures and results for Villa to see how they have fared over the years.
Who would you like to play on match day one this season? Let us know in the comments down below.
1. 21/22 - Watford 3-2 Aston Villa
The return to full capacity stadiums for the first time since the pandemic couldn’t help Villa as they sunk to a 3-2 defeat at Vicarage Road. Danny Ings bagged a consolation on his debut. | Getty Images
2. 20/21 - Aston Villa 1-0 Sheffield United
The season kicked off behind closed doors and an Ezri Konsa goal was enough to give Villa all three points. Emi Martinez also saved a penalty on his debut. | Getty Images
3. 19/20 - Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Aston Villa
Despite John McGinn giving Villa the lead early on, Spurs fought back to win 3-1 in August 2019. | Getty Images
4. 15/16 - Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa
It all started off so well? A win on the opening day in a season Villa ultimately ended up being relegated to the Championship. They didn’t win another Premier League game until mid-January. | Getty Images