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.
9. Arsenal - 16 points
Mikel Arteta’s men get their season underway with a Friday night visit to Crystal Palace. They visit Selhurst Park after winning five of their last ten opening day fixtures. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. Nottingham Forest - 16 points
Nottingham Forest will end a 23-year absence from the top tier when they visit Newcastle United on Saturday. They have lost just two of their last ten opening day fixtures during their time in the Championship. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. Everton - 15 points
The Toffees will hope to improve on a poor performance last season and an underwhelming opening day record after winning just three of their last ten matchday one fixtures. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. Bournemouth - 13 points
The Cherries return to the Premier League with a record of just three wins in their last ten opening day fixtures in the top tier and the Championship | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images