Fixture quirk for promoted clubs Newcastle, Huddersfield and Brighton

With the 2017/18 Premier League fixtures released, an interesting quirk has emerged for promoted clubs Newcastle, Huddersfield and Brighton.

It will be a first appearance in the Premier League for the latter two teams, although both have played in previous top-flight incarnations, while the Magpies bounced straight back after their relegation in the 2015/16 season.

Newcastle’s first match of the season is against Tottenham on August 12 at St James’ Park, which was also the last top-flight game they played before dropping into the Sky Bet Championship just over a year ago.
It is one that will hold some good memories for Magpies fans, as Newcastle thrashed their opponents on May 15, 2016, winning 5-1 at St James’ Park.

Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice, with Rolando Aarons and Daryl Jannmat also on the scoresheet alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was sent off. Erik Lamela hit the reply for Spurs.
It is a similar story for Huddersfield, who were last in England’s top division 45 years ago, and played their last fixture on April 29, 1972 away at Crystal Palace.

The Terriers will also make their maiden Premier League appearance at Selhurst Park when the new season begins in August.

They would probably welcome a result similar to the one all those years ago, with the two teams playing out a 0-0 draw before the visitors dropped into Division 2.
Brighton’s fixture quirk differs slightly from their Premier League opponents, with their last home game in England’s top flight – their penultimate match before relegation – came against Man City.

The match on May 7, 1983 ended in a 1-0 victory for their opponents, with Kevin Reeves scoring the only goal of the game for City.

On August 12, the Seagulls will once again be welcoming the two-time Premier League champions to their home ground as they kick off their new season as a top-flight club.