Hughton led Newcastle to the Championship title

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is unfazed by the prospect of their opening day game at Manchester United.

The fixture on August 14 is a repeat of Newcastle's first match of the 2008-9 season - which ended in a draw.

Hughton said: "We were able to go there two seasons ago and of course get a result so it's not an impossible task.

"We need to add to the squad and I'm very confident that by the time the season starts we'll have the numbers we need to bring in."

The fixture list has handed Newcastle a testing close to the 2010-11 campaign with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United featuring in their final six games.

"That's a very tough way to finish the season and certainly we'd like to be in a healthy enough position by the time we get there," said Hughton.

Boxing Day sees them host Manchester City.

"We're at home on Boxing Day, which I'm delighted about because that will be the first time in nine years and gives our supporters an opportunity to not have to get up in the early hours of the morning on Boxing Day and travel a fair distance," said Hughton.

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