A tricky tie awaits Newcastle United in their first outing of the 2015/16 season, as they prepare to face last-season's over-achievers Southampton.
However, a change in recruitment policy has given Magpies fans something to be optimistic about this season, with the club splashing out for some exciting new players already this transfer window.
The Toon Army made both the third and fourth most expensive signings in the club's history, and this more expensive outlook on bolstering their team could prove to be a step in the right direction.
New Recruits
Dutch international midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, brought in from PSV for around £14m, will almost certainly start against the Saints in Sunday's fixture. The promising playmaker has recently drawn praise from Jose Mourinho, who said he believed the former Eindhoven star was good enough to play for Chelsea.
Meanwhile, former Anderlecht duo Chancel Mbemba and Aleksander Mitrovic are both available for the clash and are both likely to feature. Although it is thought that the Magpies' new boss Steve McClaren is still yet to fully decide whether or not Mitrovic is ready to start.
One player who certainly will not play a part in proceedings is Newcastle's fourth addition Ivan Toney. The 19 year old signed this week from Northampton Town, but is expected to be part of the club's long term future, rather than an immediate fixture.
The Newcastle squad have talked about a renewed feeling of optimism around the club since McClaren took over at the start of the summer. However, that has failed to translate to good performances on the pitch, as United have won only two games from seven in pre-season, conceding eleven goals.
This suggests there is still work to be done in Newcastle's defence and this could be something upon which Southampton may capitalise. Although captain Fabricio Coloccini's new contract will be seen as good news by some on Tyneside.
Opposition
The visitors will too be feeling good about their chances this season. Many had written off the Saints at the beginning of last campaign following an exodus of players, but they proved everyone wrong with a brilliant seventh place finish.
Fewer players have left this summer and any significant departures have been replaced. The gap left by Morgan Schneiderlin's £25million move to Manchester United has been filled by £8million Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie, whilst Nathaniel Clyne's switch to Liverpool has been covered by Sporting Lisbon's Cedric Soares.
The Saints have had a mixed showing in pre-season. They started with three consecutive defeats, but followed that up with four wins in a row, including a 10-0 victory over amateur Dutch outfit Quick 20. Their final pre-season game ended in a 1-1 draw against Catalonian La Liga side RCD Espanyol.
Last Season
Southampton will feel quietly confident about this game, as they did the double over their opponents last season. They picked up a comfortable three points after a 4-0 victory at St Mary's and then defeated the Magpies 2-1 on their own turf, with Eljero Elia scoring a brace.
The dutch winger has since moved to Feyenoord, but Southampton remain a strong enough side without him and with neither team wanting a bad start to the new campaign, this match could prove to be a very tight affair.