Rafa Benitez has admitted the matches against his former side Liverpool will be 'extra special' as he reacts to Newcastle's Premier League fixture list.
Newcastle first take on Liverpool on September 30 at St James' Park before a trip to Anfield on March 3.
And Benitez said that while he always enthusiastic when the new fixture lists are announced, facing the Reds is something he is particularly excited about.
'It's always exciting to see the new fixtures and like the fans, it's something we all look forward to,' Benitez told Newcastle's official website.