Not only was our opening game of the season a repeat of last year, but our first away trip now has a familiar feel about it too.
Last year's opening day defeat to Spurs was followed by a newly promoted Huddersfield - and this season is no different, with the Cardiff City Stadium all set to be bouncing tomorrow after their five year wait for Premier League football.
It's an almost identical start to last season, but let's hope the points return is better this time around - with us falling to an uninspiring 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield this time last August.
Fortunately, there was plenty positives to take in defeat last weekend. We created chances and deserved a point against one of the league's top sides. Kenedy looked good, Ritchie was bright and Joselu was much better- but you'd we'll only get better when Salomon Rondon gets into full swing up top.
On the subject of Rondon, Rafa has a big decision to make. Joselu put in one of his better displays in a black and white shirt against Spurs, but is it realistic to expect more of the same tomorrow from a man who managed just four goals last season? It sounds pessimistic and slightly harsh, but history suggests he's more likely to frustrate and fail to find the net?
Providing he's fit enough to start, I'd go with Rondon - but I fear Rafa may stick with Joselu for another week.
Thankfully, Yedlin's injury isn't serious, but we'll have to do without him for this one, meaning Javier Manquillo looks all set to start at right-back - which is a little worrying given their pace out wide and fondness to fling balls into the box.
Preferred XI
Here’s the team I’d like to see, followed by the side I expect Rafa to go with:
Personally, I'd go with Rondon for this one - but I only see Benitez opting for him if he's fully fit (he looked a little heavy during his 30 minute cameo vs Spurs). Muto could be a handy option to bring on from the bench too, with his movement impressive when he came on last weekend.
Diame was sloppy against Spurs, looking a tad rusty by his high standards set in 2018, but I can't see Ki coming in for him in a game where we'll need to match their physicality.
On the subject of combating their physicality, I wouldn't rule out Federico Fernandez coming in for Clark. It seems unlikely, but his extra height and experience could come in handy.
Last but not least, it'll be a big game for Manquillo in Yedlin's absence. He's yet to impress me defensively and needs to stay switched on - especially when Cardiff will be keen to get the ball out wide and utilise Hoilett and Murphy's pace.
Predicted NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1) – Dubravka– Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy – Joselu
