Ooops. Matz Sels just clips one out on the full for a Fulham throw, in trying to find Daryl Janmaat on the right touchline.

Gives possession right back to Fulham. Grant Hanley just about gets the ball ahead of Sone Aluko in the box - Fulham cry foul, referee says nowt going here.

Nervy moment there for the travelling side.

Isaac Hayden's presence has been a calm one at the heart for Newcastle, his tussle with Kevin McDonald could be an interesting one as this game ticks by.

He's put in a couple of robust challenges too to state his presence.

Image source, Rex Features

Just over 20 minutes on the clock here and Newcastle United are growing steadily into the game, beginning to trouble the possession statistics a little more now.

Fulham though look fairly comfortable, and their harrassing tactics are still giving the Magpies' midfielders little time to settle.

Jermaine Jenas
Former Newcastle midfielder on Radio 5 live

The only thing for Fulham that I'd be slightly worried about is a couple of balls that have been put over their back four a little bit too easily.

Dwight Gayle and Ayoze Perez don't look like they're doing much but then they spin into channels. Fulham need to be aware of that.

Move ends up with a throw on the left side for Fulham.

Ball into the box is headed back, at first with jeopardy, by Jamaal Lascelles into the hands of his goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Still pretty frenzied.

Image source, Rex Features

It's end-to-end, both sides enjoying a bit of territory but not quite making so much of it.

Scrappy in midfield.

Fulham break away down the left with Floyd Ayite...

Scott Malone wins a corner for Fulham down in the left corner, Newcastle's right-back position.

It's a whipped in ball that Jamaal Lascelles gets a head to before Newcastle clear their lines.

Just before that chance I had been thinking Fulham were the better side, in terms of adjusting to the pace.

This is not the Premier League and some of Newcastle's more cultured players are yet to get a foot on the ball.

But the free-kick by Ayoze Perez is smacked into the wall, and Jamaal Lascelles' shot deflects out for a Magpies throw.

Matt Ritchie was in attendance there for that set-piece - I fancy he might get the next one.

Ayoze Perez gets a shove in the back by Denis Odoi while chasing down a peach of a through-ball by Vurnon Anita.

Just outside the box... Free-kick Newcastle. And a yellow card to the Fulham full-back.

Image source, Reuters

Omens wise, Fulham will fancy themselves here having lost just one of their past seven opening day games.

Newcastle by contrast have just one win in their past eight first games of the campaign.

Their last second-tier opener was a televised draw against West Brom in 2009...

Jermaine Jenas
Former Newcastle midfielder on Radio 5 live

When you're a club that's spending £45m in the Championship and you've held on to a lot of your talent, a lot will be expected of you. It's up to these players to deliver.

They'll be the team that everyone wants to beat. I went through it with QPR a couple of years ago and Newcastle are going to have exactly the same thing.

Image source, Reuters

At the risk of repeating myself, it's breakneck pace out there.

Free-kick to Fulham midway inside the Newcastle half after Daryl Janmaat's studs were up in a 50-50.

Danger threatened, but Floyd Ayite lifts his free-kick into the hand of Matz Sels. Easy enough.

Decent pace to this game already. Lots of sharp passing.

Fulham got the ball in the box to Matt Smith, a big awkward centre-forward, who was penalised for his attempt to fend off the Newcastle defence.

Image source, Rex Features

Kit-wise, impressed with both these efforts.

Fulham's white shirts are crisp with a nice red band across, while Newcastle's futuristic looking blue and amber is tasteful. Nice collar action.

These new EFL numbers are smart too.

We are under way and Newcastle have kicked off...

Happy new season, everyone...

Ready to go nearly now. The pre-match huddles are complete.

Coaches in the dug-outs, players on the pitch...

Jermaine Jenas
Former Newcastle midfielder on Radio 5 live

These Newcastle fans have laid down their marker this season. They've always been unbelievable in supporting their team and they'll be looking for this Newcastle team to put in a performance.

Newcastle have about 6,000 fans watching them at Craven Cottage this evening, according to commentator Darren Fletcher.

Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live by clicking on the audio icon at the top of the page.

This might be a second-tier game but this cracking old ground is rammed and the Putney End, full of Newcastle supporters, is heaving.

Big atmosphere for a big opener.

Not long now!

Image source, Rex Features

Players are heading out...

The race for the big prize begins tonight - 46 games to decide where this famous old trophy ends up...

It all starts here with Fulham v Newcastle, kick-off follows shortly!