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.
13. Brighton and Hove Albion - 13 points
The Seagulls have lost half of their last ten matchday one fixtures and will hope to improve that record by claiming a win at Manchester United on Sunday | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. Leeds United - 13 points
The Whites narrowly evaded relegation last season and they head into Saturday’s opener at home to Wolves with four wins in their last ten opening day fixtures. | Stu Forster Photo: Stu Forster
15. Brentford - 12 points
The Bees kick off their second season in the Premier League with a visit to Leicester City on Sunday and head into the game on the back of just three opening day wins in the last decade. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. Crystal Palace - 10 points
Palace’s home game against Arsenal kicks off the Premier League season on Friday night and the Eagles will look for only a fourth opening day win in 11 games. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images