Newcastle Premier League season 17-18 preview: Martin Keown's guide
The Premier League season is now just hours away, and it is time to look ahead to how the 20 teams will all get on.
Sportsmail has recruited columnist Martin Keown to run through reasons to be cheerful and fearful, as well as the key player and major signings.
Here is the lowdown on Newcastle...
WHO'S IN CHARGE?
Rafa Benitez - Brought in too late to rescue Newcastle two years ago, Benitez showed loyalty to stand by the club and return them to the top flight. He has managed some of Europe's top clubs and will be crucial to any success this season.
REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
Newcastle have bounced back immediately and, with Middlesbrough and Sunderland going the other way, they are the pre-eminent North East club once more. In Benitez they have a manager with a proven track record in delivering trophies. Not since the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 have Newcastle won major honours, so Benitez would become a legend on Tyneside should he win silverware.
REASONS TO BE FEARFUL
Unless Benitez is given the resources he needs, there is every chance he could leave the club. The manager himself has admitted the club have had a 'difficult' transfer window so far and Newcastle will struggle if they fail to strengthen — or if Benitez leaves.
Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle now he has the chance to prove he belongs at the highest level
KEY PLAYER
Dwight Gayle - When he was at Selhurst Park, Gayle's imaginative finishing reminded me of Ian Wright, another Palace old boy. He thrived in the Championship, scoring 23 goals, and now he has the chance to prove he belongs at the highest level.
MAJOR INS
Jacob Murphy (Norwich) £12m, Florian Lejeune (Eibar) £8.7m, Christian Atsu (Chelsea) £6.2m
MAJOR OUTS
Florian Thauvin (Marseille) undisclosed, Daryl Murphy (N Forest) undisclosed, Vurnon Anita (released)
LAST SEASON POSITION: 1ST (IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP)
WHERE WILL THEY FINISH THIS SEASON?
If Benitez stays at the club and is able to work his magic, Newcastle have a great chance of survival.
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