A season that promises plenty and will hopefully deliver even more will get underway when Newcastle United host Nottingham Forest at St James Park on the first Saturday of August.
For the first time since that memorable night against Arsenal, where St James sparkled with expectation and energy, Eddie Howe’s men will walk out in front of the Gallowgate faithful for a Premier League fixture.
There will be a number of new faces in the Magpies squad following the summer additions of Burnley and England goalkeeper Nick Pope and Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
And Matt Targett is likely to make his first appearance as a permanent Newcastle United player after he impressed during his loan spell from Aston Villa last season.
United’s transfer activity is far from over and at least two more signings are expected by the time the summer transfer window closes in September.
But who could line up in black and white when newly promoted Forest visit Tyneside on the opening day of the season?
9. RW: Jack Harrison
The Leeds United star is on United’s wishlist but they will have to pay a significant fee for the talented winger. Photo: Getty Images
10. LW: Allan Saint-Maximin
The French winger has been linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer but he will stay on Tyneside and remain a firm favourite with the Gallowgate faithful. Photo: Naomi Baker
11. ST: Duvan Zapata
The Atalanta striker has been linked with Newcastle on a regular basis over the last year and it now seems the Serie A side are willing to accept a modest fee for their forward. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. SUB: Martin Dubravka
Newcastle’s long-term number one has new competition in the form of England goalkeeper Nick Pope. Photo: Stu Forster