And the big question is, who will Eddie Howe name in his Magpies starting XI?
Howe has two new signings at his disposal in Nick Pope and Sven Botman. Matt Targett, although joining from Aston Villa, is already a familiar face after his loan spell last season.
Usually by now, you get a feeling for who will start the first game but Howe, via his pre-season team selection, has kept everyone guessing.
“Individually, players certainly staked a claim but it’s not just on those two games, it’s on the whole of pre-season and training I’ve seen as well,” said Howe after the back-to-back friendly wins against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao.
“There’s a lot of work to form my opinions. It won’t just be based on these two games.”
Here Our writer Jordan Cronin puts his neck on the line and picks the Newcastle United starting XI he believes should start against Forest on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm):
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
I’m going off pre-season and for me, Dubravka, who was excellent against Athletic Bilbao, shaded it ahead of Nick Pope. This is a very, very tough call for Eddie Howe.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
An automatic pick when fit, even though Emil Krafth deserves to start also after a terrific end to last season in the England international’s absence.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Has got better and better under Eddie Howe. Schar has always been very good with the ball at his feet but defensively, he’s improved in every game played.
4. CB: Sven Botman
The Dutchman showed in pre-season exactly why Newcastle chased him for six month. Brilliant on the ball, dominant in the air and reads the game so well.