Newcastle United's schedule for the 2023/24 season could not have offered a much harder start but there is no reason to feel daunted for Eddie Howe's Magpies.
Despite tackling improving Aston Villa - guided into Europe last season by Unai Emery - the 5.30pm kick off on August 12 still offers the chance of a winning start in front of a full house. Of course, it then gets progressively more difficult with the game at the Etihad Stadium to face Pep Guardiola's treble winners Man City then another home encounter with Liverpool before August is done and dusted.
Playing City and the Reds at least gets two tricky fixtures dealt but the long trip to Brighton before the first international break will also be a test given the way Roberto De Zerbi had his team playing at home towards the end of last season. Later in September, Newcastle will get to experience what a Champions League week really feels like.
