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.
5. 14/15 - Stoke City 0-1 Aston Villa
Andreas Weimann’s goal just after half-time was enough to hand Villa all three points proving the claret and blue could at least hack it on a warm, sunny Saturday in Stoke. | Getty Images
6. 13/14 - Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa
After falling behind to an early Olivier Giroud goal, Villa fought back with a brace from Christian Benteke before Antonio Luna rounded off a memorable opening day in the capital. | AFP via Getty Images
7. 12/13 - West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa
Kevin Nolan’s first-half goal saw Villa fall to defeat on a red hot opening day in London. | AFP via Getty Images
8. 11/12 - Fulham 0-0 Aston Villa
A 0-0 draw got Villa off to a run of seven without defeat to start 2011. | Getty Images