The major advantage handed to Newcastle United by Premier League fixture list

Whisper it quietly, Magpies, and don’t be scared of being cautiously optimistic - the Premier League fixture computer has been rather kind to Newcastle United.

Of course, the naysayers, will say, with some merit, you play every team twice and it matters little when each game takes place. et it is difficult not to look at the Magpies opening to their third full season under Eddie Howe and not feel something approaching positivity and hope.

Both emotions should only be enhanced by the fact United will enjoy the benefit of more free midweeks after their Champions League group stage campaign and progress in the Carabao Cup wreaked havoc with their fixture schedule during the first half of last season, playing some part in an injury crisis that decimated Howe’s squad.

There are challenges to navigate and the new season will provide plenty for the Magpies in what already looks to be an upgraded Premier League, after the additions of the upwardly mobile Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.

It’s the latter of that newly-promoted trio who will provide the opposition for Newcastle on the opening day of the season as the Saints kick off life back in the top flight with a long trip to St. James’ Park. Facing a newly-promoted side will bring an unique challenge as Russell Martin’s side look to build on their play-off final win over Leeds United - but Newcastle will fancy their chances of laying down a marker on the opening weekend.

A visit to Bournemouth and a home game against a Tottenham Hotspur side that have been blown away on their last two visits to Tyneside round off August for Howe’s side and gives them a real chance to build some momentum ahead of what feels like a very early international break. Indeed, Newcastle will not face a side considered to be a major title contender until their sixth fixture when they host current champions Manchester City.

It’s difficult to truly assess the fixtures given no club has really signalled their intent in the summer transfer window at this point in time and we are basing any thoughts on the early-season prospects on performances last season.

But there can be no doubt those connected with Newcastle will have expressed a certain degree of relief over avoiding any of last season’s title challengers in their opening month of the season. There will be a realisation there is an opportunity to gain early-season momentum - but caution will also be required as Newcastle look to improve on the poor away form that hampered their attempts to push for Europe last season.

The potentially pivotal festive period looks awkward for the Magpies as they host Aston Villa on Boxing Day before consecutive away days at Manchester United and Spurs either side of New Years Eve - but there is an argument to suggest the most difficult spell in Newcastle’s season comes in the final six weeks of the season.

Manchester United’s trip to St. James’ Park on the weekend Saturday, May 12 kicks off what looks like a serious test of the Magpies credentials as they face away days at Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal and a home game with Chelsea in four of their next five fixtures. That challenging run precedes the final game of the season as Howe and his squad will hope to round off a successful campaign with a home clash with Everton.

A huge summer lies in wait for Newcastle as they look to move on from what many would suggest was an underwhelming season last time out - but there can be no doubt a favourable start to the new campaign will have at least raised hopes they can hit the ground running come August.