Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish says it's crucial they kickoff next season in winning form.
"We've drawn three of them and won one so we've got a decent record in the curtain-raiser.
"We've been hampered in the past by the Champions League and a need to make the group stages, forcing an eye off the ball in the Premier League.
"This year, I don't think that's the case because the first leg of the European Cup game is the midweek before the season starts.
"Roy Keane's got a bit of money to spend this summer, and depending on how well and how wisely he spends it, will maybe decide how easy or otherwise the trip to the north east is."