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after the FA rejected Leeds’ appeal to have the red card he received for a challenge on Liverpool's Harvey Elliott rescinded.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:
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.
5. BVB didn't want Kabak
Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose has roundly denied speculation that the club were keen to sign defender Ozan Kabak in the last transfer window. He eventually joined Norwich City on loan from Schalke, after spending the second half on the campaign on loan with Liverpool. (Eastern Daily Press) Photo: JOHN THYS
6. Whites could sign Lang next summer instead
Leeds United target Noa Lang could be allowed to leave Club Brugge to join a "big club" next summer, according to his manager. The in-demand ace, thought to be valued at €30m, scored 17 goals in all competitions for his club on loan last season. (Sport Witness) Photo: KURT DESPLENTER
7. Whites tipped to offer Phillips big deal
Reports have claimed that Leeds United are willing to make Kalvin Phillips the "highest paid player at the club", as they look to ward off interest from a number of high profile suitors. Man City are the latest side to be linked with the England star. (Team Talk) Photo: Stu Forster
8. Archer could land new Villa deal
Aston Villa are believed to be working hard to tie talented youngster Cameron Archer down to a new deal. The 20-year-old ace was wanted on loan by a host of sides over the summer, but Villa felt his development would be better served on home turf. (Football Insider) Photo: David Rogers