The Champions League is back in full swing this week, with several Premier League teams taking to the pitch across Europe. However, fans of Newcastle and Manchester City might be left scratching their heads as to why their matches aren't being played in the usual Tuesday and Wednesday evening slots, but have instead been scheduled for Thursday.
Typically, Thursday nights are reserved for Europa League action for football fans, but the new European format introduced last season changed things. There's only one exclusive Champions League week per season where there's no clashes with the Europa and Conference Leagues, and matchday one has been chosen for this campaign, spread over September 16, 17 and 18. So, supporters of City and Newcastle can breathe easy knowing their Thursday evenings will be free for the remainder of the league phase.
Pep Guardiola's squad will face Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, while Barcelona will make their way to St James' Park to experience the vocal support behind the Magpies. Both matches will commence at 8pm, and can be viewed on TNT Sports.
Other Champions League matches happening on Thursday include; Club Brugge vs Monaco, FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray and Sporting vs Kairat Almaty.
The return of Kevin De Bruyne to the Etihad for Napoli's clash with Manchester City is a thrilling prospect, given that the midfield wizard only left Manchester for the Italian champions in the summer and has already scored twice in three Serie A matches. Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, both former Premier League stars who played for the other side of Manchester, are also set to face City, aiming to give Guardiola a headache.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe could be without two of his key summer signings when he faces European heavyweights Barcelona. New striker Yoane Wissa, who joined the Magpies in a £55million deal from Brentford, is yet to make his debut in black and white.
The forward was injured while on international duty with DR Congo and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, meaning Barca will have to deal with fellow new arrival Nick Woltemade instead. Jacob Ramsey is also likely to miss the Champions League opener after suffering an ankle injury in the 0-0 stalemate with Leeds United at the end of August.
He is expected to be out for a few more weeks, but the silver lining is that Anthony Gordon is ready to fill his boots. Gordon missed the recent 1-0 victory over Wolves due to suspension - following his tackle on Virgil van Dijk in a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool which saw him sent off - but he will be eligible to play in Europe.