It’s been a long road back for all those associated with the Whites but the moment is finally here. Now, can they upset the odds on Merseyside?
As ever, with some key games to watch out for, we preview the main talking points ahead of this weekend and Monday’s top-flight fixture list. Scroll and click through the pages:
7. West Ham - a team in disarray?
West Ham are yet to make any summer signings and their efforts to bring in Burnley defender James Tarkowski have been played out in public. There is still a lot of anger from the sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom too - so how will they respond against Newcastle? Photo: Pool
8. Mike Ashley’s gesture
The Newcastle owner was back on Tyneside on Wednesday and decided to take Steve Bruce and his players out for a meal ahead of the trip to West Ham. According to Jonjo Shelvey, Ashley has pledged to attend more matches this season. Sounds like he is staying put… for now. Photo: Catherine Ivill
9. Presenter makes controversial Leeds claim
Ahead of Leeds’ Premier League opener with Liverpool, TalkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham controversially claimed the Whites will be relegated from the Premier League, and that Marcelo Bielsa will leave. Perhaps Adrian has gone for a spot of fishing there… Photo: Michael Regan
10. Praise for ‘world class’ Marcelo Bielsa
The English champions will fight to retain their title and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp believes they have a “very tough” start versus Leeds. Why? Because “they have a world-class manager and it is a historical game,” the German said. Photo: Michael Regan