The season is still two months away, but now it has taken a real form with the release of the fixture list. All three promoted sides have been granted as desirable a learning curve as any. Every worthy football fan can now speculate on how they will fare in the opening two months.
Fixture list Reaction: Huddersfield Can Shock Palace
Rafael Benitez, in particular, has worked a minor miracle since taking the reins at Newcastle United.
Newcastle
Newcastle face a Tottenham opener at home for the third time in the Premier League era. However, trips to Huddersfield and Swansea follow a home game against West Ham. This then is as good an opportunity as any for the Magpies to start strongly.
Potential Signing
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has several aspects in common with Andrew Cole. He almost singlehandedly fired Newcastle to UEFA Cup qualification as a newly promoted side in 1993/94. Abraham shone at Bristol City on loan last season, with a goal every two games on average. He also boasts a solid build and a deadly shot. He should be an affordable player for many fantasy managers next season if he remains in the Premier League.
Key Player
With 23 goals in 30 games last season, Dwight Gayle is once more a Premier League player and looks likely to be the Magpies’ main weapon in the short term.
Brighton
Brighton’s promotion came as little surprise after last season’s near-miss. A home match against Manchester City is exactly the sort of acid test that Chris Hughton’s side would have been hoping for on the eve of the fixtures’ release.
Potential Signing
Joe Gomez is due south once again after failing to make a real impact at Anfield. His physical stature and youthful vigour would at the very least add an extra dimension to a defence that will be brutally tested over the next nine months.
Key Player
None of the players leap out as being truly remarkable in the context of the Premier League. However, Glenn Murray’s experience and eye for the back of the net will certainly give Brighton a serious goal threat.
Huddersfield
With the newly-promoted Terriers 11/8 to stay up with multiple bookmakers with various welcome offers available. Underwhelming though the fixtures list reveal was to most Huddersfield fans, a visit to Crystal Palace is a relatively easy start. At least compared to the opening day tasks bestowed upon the other promoted teams.
It is always worth noting that promoted teams invariably start in an energetic manner, and Palace’s early home displays will rest much on the fitness and form of Christian Benteke. The new Palace manager, if a permanent one is appointed by the opening day, will also need time to acclimatise himself to a squad in need of all-around improvement.
Potential Signing
Manchester City’s Aaron Mooy is a dynamic midfielder who has already fallen in love with the club after a successful loan spell at the Kirklees Stadium. Expect him to arrive imminently and be the midfield engine that the Terriers need to survive.
Key Player
Nakhi Wells’ goal scoring form has been key to Huddersfield over the last few years, and although this will be his debut season in the Premier League, his dynamic approach will keep the Palace defence very occupied.
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