Newcastle United face the eighth-toughest Premier League start when the season gets underway in August. Using league positions from 2021-22, the Magpies’ opening six fixtures pits them against clubs that finished - on average - 9.7th in the English football pyramid.
Statistically, an opening-day clash against Nottingham Forest at home is the easiest game Newcastle could have asked for. The Reds finished fourth in the Championship last season, securing promotion via the play-offs against Huddersfield Town. However, this is counterbalanced by heavyweights Manchester City and Liverpool - who finished first and second in the Premier League - also featuring in the Magpies’ first five fixtures.
Newly-promoted Fulham have the toughest start, with the Championship winners’ opponents averaging a 7.2nd finish. The Cottagers face Champions League finalists Liverpool on day one before taking on Wolves, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in their opening six outings.
