Premier League preview: Newcastle United

Not since Auf Wiedersehen Pet was revived for a third series after a 16-year gap has the Geordie nation found itself so giddy with the fear of failure.This is roughly the same squad that was relegated last year, knocked into shape by Chris Hughton and promoted as champions. So how can it be any different?Hughton has struck a nice balance, Barton is free from jail and Carroll is alsoemerging as a fearsome centre forward worth a look from Capello this year.The shock of the drop may have done some good. That's Livin' Alright! Champagne football: Newcastle begin their assault on the Premier League with much the same side that won the ChampionshipBoss's toughest jobPlaying top teams with a Championship squad, Chris Hughton will have to form a team greater  than the sum of its parts to succeed. At least no pressure from the fans!Hiccup on horizonMike Ashley's reign has practically caused civil unrest in the city - and with greater exposure could come greater protest. Sunderland doing better than them would be hard to stomach.The numbers game3 - The number of times Newcastle have visited Old Trafford on the opening day of the season20% - Percentage of goals scored per chance, the best conversion rate in the second tier last seasonAlternative sponsorUK taxpayers - Didn't we pick up the tab for Northern Rock?Ins/Outs In - James Perch (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Dan Gosling (Everton, free), SolCampbell (Arsenal, free).Out - Nicky Butt, Fabrice Pancrate (both released) The boy's got Sol: Campbell is the big summer signing at St James' ParkKeep an eye out forShane Ferguson Age: 19 Position: Winger A ball player who can score. Made debut for Northern Ireland at 17 and now wants to break into Premier League.Fan's viewOliver Scott-Smith: 'We should have enough about us for a mid-table finish. Campbell will provide valuable experience. My only concern is where the goals will come from.'Fans' websitewww.newcastleunited-mad.co.ukSportsmail's lowdown on all the Premier League teams  

Source: Daily_Mail