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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 wondering why their matches aren't being played in the usual Tuesday and Wednesday slots, but are instead scheduled for Thursday.
Typically, Thursdays are reserved for Europa League fixtures for the dedicated soccer enthusiast, but a new European format introduced last season means that some games will now be slated for this day instead. This ensures that no other UEFA competition games - including those for the Europa and Conference Leagues - will clash.
There's only one week per season exclusively dedicated to Champions League matches, 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 Thursdays will be free for the remainder of the league phase. Pep Guardiola's players will face Napoli at the Etihad, while Barcelona will make its way to St. James Park.
Other Champions League games happening on Thursday include Club Brugge vs. Monaco, FC Copenhagen vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray, and Sporting vs. Kairat Almaty.
The visit of Napoli to the Etihad is particularly thrilling as it marks a European homecoming for one of City's very own legends, Kevin De Bruyne.
The midfield wizard left Manchester in the summer for a move to Italy and has already netted two goals in his first three Serie A matches.
Other former Premier League stars Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund - who both played for the other side of Manchester - are also set to face City, aiming to give Pep Guardiola a headache.
On the flip side, Eddie Howe is likely to be without two of his key summer signings when facing Barcelona. New striker Yoane Wissa is yet to make his debut for the Magpies following his transfer from Brentford, and he will have to wait a bit longer to don the black-and-white.
The forward sustained an injury while on international duty with DR Congo, and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, meaning Barcelona will have to deal with the formidable Nick Woltemade instead.
Jacob Ramsey is also expected to miss the Champions League opener after suffering an ankle injury in the 0-0 stalemate with Leeds at the end of August.
He is set to be out for a few more weeks, but the silver lining is that Anthony Gordon will be ready and eager to fill his shoes.
The forward missed the most recent 1-0 victory over Wolves due to suspension after his tackle on Virgil van Dijk in a 3-2 defeat saw him sent off, but he will be eligible to play in Europe.
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