Last season could not have gone much better for Newcastle…

The Magpies topped the Championship ahead of Brighton on the final day, while their neighbours Sunderland were beaten nearly every week before ultimately being relegated.

Now Rafa Benitez’s side have returned to the top-flight of English football with a new lease of life and are aiming to surprise their competition.

That competition starts with Tottenham on the opening day of the season.

Despite a lack of new faces so far, Benitez has a number of key decision to make as to who makes his starting XI on the day, with the Spaniard looking to make a good start to life in the top flight.

We’ve picked out a couple of players who the Spaniard must start against Tottenham on the opening day…

DWIGHT GAYLE

The Englishman was in sublime form for the Toon Army last season. Gayle netted a staggering 23 times in 26 Championship starts last season.

Part of a lost generation at nearly 27, Gayle is now approaching his prime. The striker flattered to deceive during his last Premier League spell with Crystal Palace, but will be raring to go come August 12th.

CHRISTIAN ATSU

He took time to settle into life in the Championship but Christian Atsu made a significant impact towards the end of the campaign as Newcastle staged a late fightback to snatch the title from Brighton & Hove Albion’s grasp.

Newcastle have signed Atsu from Chelsea after a successful season-long loan. The Ghana international netted five times either side of the African Cup of Nations last season and will be ready to prove he can cut it in the Premier League.