Steve Bruce's side host Leeds United at St James' Park in an eagerly-awaited Friday night kick-off, and the Magpies know they'll need to be on form to defeat a side who beat them both home and away last season.
One real disadvantage for the Whites will be that they'll be without key central defender Pascal Struijk for the game, after the FA rejected Leeds’ appeal to have the red card he received for a challenge on Liverpool's Harvey Elliott rescinded.
Speaking on talkSPORT, breakfast show, co-host Ally McCoist took a pop at the FA over their decision making process, and contended: “It just shows you, they’re bampots, honest to god.
“They had a chance to absolve that boy (Struijk) of any blame and they’ve not done it. He’ll now spend the rest of his career thinking he was responsible in some way, shape or form for that injury to Harvey Elliot.
“It’s scandalous, I’m in bewilderment at some of the decisions these people make. Anybody with any level of intelligence can look at that tackle and see it was a horrific injury but there was no malice at all, none whatsoever.
“It was not a red card it was just an unfortunate footballing incident.”
Take a look at the latest news round-up from the Premier League, as the build-up to the weekend's action begins:
1. Wolves wanted Boateng
Wolves are said to have made an attempt to sign 76-cap Germany international Jerome Boateng in the summer, but were ultimately "outplayed" Lyon, who landed him from Bayern Munich instead. He spent the 2010/11 season with Man City, joining the Bavarian giants. (Sport Witness) Photo: JEFF PACHOUD
2. Rudiger stalls over new deal
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is still no closer to agreeing a new contract at the club, and could leave in the summer to maximise his earning potential. It has been suggested that interested parties could double the £100k-per-week he currently earns. (Telegraph) Photo: Michael Regan
3. Gunners could lure in Aouar with Champions League
Arsenal have been tipped to move again for Lyon's Houssem Aouar in the summer, but his willingness to join is said to hinge on whether the Gunners secure Champions League football. They haven't been involved in the elite competition since the 2016/17 season. (Fichajes) Photo: PHILIPPE DESMAZES
4. Schmeichel lauds new signing
Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has branded new signing Jannick Vestergaard "top class", and backed him to thrive at the club after coming in as cover for the injured Wesley Fofana. The pair were part of Denmark's Euro 2020 side, who made it to the semi-finals. (Leicester Mercury) Photo: Michael Regan