Newcastle United are preparing to play host to new boys Southampton in this season’s all-important Premier League opener.
The Magpies under the guidance of Eddie Howe will be targeting a strong 2024/25 season and a return to the Champions League after a seventh place finish last term. Meanwhile, newly promoted Southampton will be hoping to cause an upset at St James’ Park in a fixture which marks the team’s longest away trip of the season.
Both side’s know the importance of getting points on the board early on and Howe’s men will hope to treat the Toon Army fanbase to another famous St James’ Park afternoon after a 5-1 demolition against Aston Villa in last season’s curtain raiser almost 12 months ago.
But how have Newcastle typically fared on the opening day of the season? Here we take a look back at each game and the goalscorers from each of the last 10 openers.
5. 2019/20: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the winner as Arsenal secured all three points in the curtain raiser at St James' Park. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
6. 2018/19: Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham
A debut goal for Joselu proved insufficent for the Magpies, who were beaten 2-1 after goals from Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli. | Getty Images
7. 2017/18: Newcastle 0-2 Tottenham
10-man Newcastle had an afternoon to forget on their Premier League return as they were soundly beaten by Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham. Jonjo Shelvey was sent off in the first half before goals from Dele Alli and Ben Davies. | Getty Images
8. 2016/17: Fulham 1-0 Newcastle
Newcastle's Championship campaign began in poor fashion as they produced a lacklustre performance in a 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. Matt Smith was the match winner for the hosts. | Getty Images