There is understandably a lot of uncertainty around what to expect from Newcastle United when we face Liverpool at St James' Park on the Premier League opening day.
A brand new squad, a brand new manager and an age profile much untested at the highest level all inform the endless amount of different outcomes that may present themselves on the day.
But whilst Liverpool appear to be a massive test on the surface and one which could plunge the club into concerning territory after just one game of the new season, there is an opposing viewpoint which suggests Iraola's men may actually be the perfect opposition for the Magpies to face.
Liverpool in transition
Albeit on a slightly different scale, Liverpool are also facing a their own sort of reset during this summer window.
A new manager in charge in Andoni Iraola, a squad that has faced some major changes from what has brought success in previous years with the likes of Salah, Konate and Robertson all departing, and even a new set of ownership which may cause some trimmings of unrest throughout the season.
All of that has led to Liverpool fans presenting as the most pessimistic fans in the division about how their season will pan out, according to The Athletic. Yes, even lower than us.
What this means is that Matthias Jaissle's new look Magpies will be coming face to face with a team who have faced many of the same struggles this summer, even if the circumstances have been packaged differently.
A preseason that bred uncertainty
Again, much in a similar way to us, Liverpool saw their preseason forward some positives, but perhaps leave them with more questions than answers heading into the opening day.
A 4-2 defeat against Leeds, a 3-2 defeat against Monaco and a rather uneventful 0-0 draw against Champions League side Como were mixed in with victories, but didn't necessarily quell the worry etched into Liverpool fans about what the upcoming season may hold. In fact, if anything, it likely amplified it.
That means that whichever XI Matthias Jaissle picks isn't going to be facing a high and mighty version of the Reds of the like that has travelled to Tyneside in recent years, but instead will be facing a side currently dealing with a whole host of their own insecurities.
How might this work in Newcastle United's favour?
Jaissle has already been more than open about the fact that we won't be seeing the very best version of his Newcastle side when the curtain is raised on the new season, quite simply because he hasn't had the time to instill his ideologies to the fullest.
But what that does mean is that Newcastle are almost entering the tie with the shackles off, as the underdogs who many have even predicted may go down this season, and with no fear as there is literally nothing to be afraid of.
On the other hand, Liverpool, despite facing their own issues, are undoubtedly the favourites for the game. In fact, there are Newcastle fans expecting we may be turned over rather comprehensively and the watching world will likely expect a similar outcome.
So the question is, with the Geordie faithful in full voice, especially considering what will be an emotional tribute to Kevin Keegan pre game, can Liverpool handle the pressure?
If things start going a little bit left, Jaissle is urging his team to put the pressure on and Newcastle's youthful exuberance is playing with the lack of fear I mentioned earlier, will the Reds be able to cope.
Well we'll soon find out, but I'm not so sure.
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