The Premier League season is just a handful of days away and for a club such Tottenham this is something that will come as a very welcome distraction after having a frustrating Summer in the transfer market.
The lack of activity has been a huge point of frustration for their fans as a failure to build on a squad that finished third last time around has seemingly be spurned. The question now is whether or not this will have an effect when it comes to their on-pitch proceedings.
The fact that they have failed to make any major additions to their squad almost gives off the signal that they are giving their nearest rivals a head start, one that may end up being too much to claw back throughout the season.
Tottenham have done incredibly well over the past three seasons, with a trio of top three finishes. However, one must consider that with now new names on board it is going to be a huge ask for this crop of players to once again secure a top four finish and with that securing Champions league football next time around.
The start the 2018/19 campaign with a trip to Newcastle, a place they visited on the opening weekend last season. 12 months ago, they eventually eased to a 2-0 win, although their task was made easier after the sending off of Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey.
However, this is also a ground which will conjure bad memories for Tottenham and their fans. On the final day of the 2015/16 season they were thrashed by an already relegated Newcastle – a result which saw them pass up a second-place finish to arch rivals Arsenal.
The Magpies come into this game having made the addition of Venezuelan forward Solomon Rondon to their ranks and the hope is that the former West Brom player will hit the ground running with an opening weekend goal.
In addition to the arrival of Rondon, they can also call on two key players who joined via loan stints in the second half of last season. Kenedy once again comes to Tyneside in the form of a loan deal from his parent club Chelsea.
While goalkeeper Martin Dubravka sees his move from Czech outfit Sparta Prague become a permanent one. The 29-year-old played an instrumental part in Newcastle’s survival bid last season and the hope is that he will help the Magpies steer clear of the relegation zone once more.
It seems as if Rafa Benitez has been working with one arm behind his back, due to a lack of finances made available. The best piece of business the club could do is making sure that he is still in charge after a tumultuous Summer.
Looking at the odds for the game it could be a close on to call. Tottenham are the slight favourites, but with a lot of players still rested after the World Cup, it is anyone guess as to who comes out on top in this one.