A summer of transfer activity and largely fully-fit squad means the Magpies head coach has one or two big decisions to make when naming his starting line-up for the clash with Nottingham Forest.
Steve Cooper’s newly-promoted side will be a tough test for Newcastle who are looking to carry on the momentum they forged in a fantastic end to their last campaign.
The Magpies have lost just once in the league at home this calendar year and will want to get off to a winning start in-front of their own fans on Saturday afternoon.
St James’s Park will be rocking once again - but will supporters get to catch a glimpse of their new signings? Or will Howe stick with his tried and tested system?
Here, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI that could face Nottingham Forest on Saturday:
1. GK: Nick Pope
It really is the toss of a coin between which keeper gets the nod to start against Forest. Pope has been given the edge here purely based on the fact he has played more than Martin Dubravka during pre-season - with the Slovakian missing a couple of games through injury. Photo: Stu Forster
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier’s injury at the end of last season means supporters have seen just a glimpse of what he is capable of in the black and white. His return to the starting line-up may feel like a new signing for many inside St James’s Park on Saturday will be hoping he is given the opportunity to stand over a free-kick once again. Photo: Stu Forster
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Possibly a surprising pick but Newcastle’s club captain has been a regular feature of the Newcastle defence during pre-season and performed well against Athletic Club on Saturday. With players either side of him that are good on the ball, Lascelles can concentrate on being the solid, no-nonsense leader at the back. Photo: Stu Forster
4. CB: Sven Botman
United’s biggest signing of the summer has looked the part during pre-season and unlike Bruno Guimaraes who had to bide his time before breaking into the starting XI, the Dutchman will likely be given the opportunity to impress straight off the bat on Saturday. Photo: Gualter Fatia