By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Alan Pardew is relishing the start of the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season, admitting the top flight provides the "best entertainment" in world football.

United entertain Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in their opening day fixture (5.30pm kick-off), with the Sports Direct Arena likely to be a sell-out as the buzz of the new campaign sweeps across Tyneside.

And Pardew revealed there is plenty of excitement in the Magpies' camp too, ahead of a mouth-watering next seven days, as he bids to get Toon fans roaring the team on to success.

"We've got a fantastic first week with Spurs, then the Europa League (against Atromitos) and then Chelsea," said the manager.

"It is a fabulous week for us to look forward to and we are in good shape.

"It (the league) just keeps growing, and the Barclays Premier League is without doubt the most competitive league in the world and, I think, the best entertainment.

"We can only do our bit here to make sure we bring a brand of football that is exciting and that our public will love."