Newcastle must first foot into a new season with all the subtlety of an air raid. There can be no pussy footing. Expectations are high and the need to get off to an explosive start against Premier League newcomers is paramount because what quickly follows includes Manchester City and Liverpool, English football's elite.
Forest must be cut down and we know what that requires. United produced it in abundance last time they were in league combat before the faithful. A 2-0 demolition of Arsenal, which effectively killed the Gunners' Champions League hopes, was their best display of passion and power last season by a country mile.
Much will depend on United's offensive threat. Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin must hit the ground at full pelt because they are both susceptible - Wilson to the ever lurking threat of injury, the Saint through mood and mystery.
