The new Premier League season is now just hours away and the excitement is starting to reach fever pitch at Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s side built up some serious momentum during a largely positive second half of last season as they burst away from the relegation zone to secure a mid-table finish.
That momentum has been maintained by the impressive additions of England goalkeeper Nick Pope, former loan star Matt Targett and Lille’s highly-rated Dutch defender Sven Botman.
The newly-arrived trio are all in contention to feature in Saturday’s Premier League opener as newly-promoted Nottingham Forest visit St James Park.
The visitors will also have a arrive on Tyneside looking to secure a shock win that would extend a dismal opening day record for the Magpies.
NewcastleWorld takes a look at how United’s recent record on matchday one compares to the 19 Premier League clubs they will face over the season.
5. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 19 points
Wolves have proven to be a tough opening day opponent with just one defeat in their last ten matchday one fixtures. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. Tottenham Hotspur - 19 points
Antonio Conte’s side have high hopes this season and they are targeting a seventh win in their last 11 opening day fixtures when they host Southampton on Saturday. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Aston Villa - 17 points
Villa go into Saturday visit to newly promoted Bournemouth after winning half of their last ten opening day fixtures. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Leicester City - 17 points
The Foxes have five wins, two draws and three defeats from their last ten matchday one fixtures. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images