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.
17. Southampton - 10 points
The Saints have just two wins and four draws from their last ten opening day fixtures ahead of Saturday’s tough looking visit to Spurs. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
18. West Ham United - 9 points
The Hammers host reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday as they look to improve on a record of seven defeats in 10 day one fixtures. | IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
19. Fulham - 8 points
Fulham return to the Premier League with a home game against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime but their hopes of securing a win will rely on improving a record of just one win in ten opening day games. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
20. Newcastle United - 5 points
The Magpies have momentum from a positive end to last season - but have traditionally struggled on the first day of the season with just one win and two draws from their last 10 opening day fixtures. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY