Nobby Solano feels that "consistency" will be the watchword at Newcastle United next season.
The United players can enjoy their summer break after a remarkable season in which they finished fourth and made it to their first major cup final since 1999. However, the hard work will soon start again for Eddie Howe and his backroom staff as the Magpies look to build on a superb Premier League campaign, and get the balance right with the Champions League.
Solano told Chronicle Live: "It's about consistency Newcastle now. It's about trying to maintain what they achieved last season, it doesn't have to be perfect performances every week but you have to find a way to nick points.
"You look at the early fixture list and you think 'tough' but every team will provide a tough test next season. Not just the top four or five but the newly promoted team and the teams fighting relegation.
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"Villa itself is a tough opener after what they achieved last season and getting into Europe. Unai Emery is a good manager and achieved a lot in Spain previously.
"So it's a big test for the guys but the key thing is continuing the work they've done and the consistency. That's what Eddie will be calling for."
The bookmakers already feel that United will face a battle to be ahead of Man City, Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool next season. But Solano reckons that the competitive nature of the competition extends beyond the Champions League places.
The Peru legend said: "Last season is already history. "And we know Liverpool will be looking for a reaction, Spurs will be back and Chelsea will be back. The good thing Newcastle have is that they will have a similar squad with some additions. Chelsea and Spurs have a new manager and will have a new look.
"For Newcastle, it will be 90% the same team and same manager so they will hope for similar results."
Newcastle face Aston Villa at home first before Man City (a), Liverpool (h) and Brighton (a). Teams like Brighton shocked pundits last term and Solano fears there are other surprise packages too.
Solano added: "The Premier League will be a tough battle next season. "Villa to star, Brentford did well last season and Brighton as well so that's before you start talking top four or top six. You wonder if Brighton will be the same after losing Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool. But you never know.
"I think Newcastle can emerge with credit from those first few games and with Man City and Liverpool early it could be a chance to catch them before they gain any pace in the Premier League."
