Last season was a season of 'should haves' for Craig Brown's men, but this season he promised it would improve, with a few promising young players developing in the side (and no excuses!).
But unfortunately for North End, they're going to have to make a ground breaking start to win against some of the promotion challenging teams that they play against in the first five games of the season.
How many points do you think they are going to collect? I give my predictions on what the score lines are going to be:
WEST HAM (HOME) PREDICTION: A 1-0 WIN FOR THE HAMMERS
We might have an advantage of playing at home, but I can’t see this affecting their quality at all. Their side is brimming with good players and will be determined to get off to a good start.
Hammer’s Player To Watch: Jemain Defoe
WIGAN ATHLETIC (AWAY) PREDICTION: A 2-1 WIN FOR THE WHITES
With Ellington still injured for the Latics, North End will be relieved, as he is a major threat up-front. Captain De Vos is a good defender, but I doubt any one will be able to cope with Fuller this season. This promises to be an action packed derby, and I predict that North End will come out on top.
Latics Player To Watch: Andy Liddell (always has a good game against the Whites)
SUNDERLAND (HOME) PREDICTION: A 1-1 DRAW
The Black Cats will have to capitalise after losing most of their first team players to Premiership teams. However, I think they have the quality to challenge for the play-offs or promotion this year.
Black Cats Player To Watch: Marcus Stewart (He was a very successful player in Division One for Ipswich and Huddersfield).
WEST BROM (AWAY) PREDICTION: A 2-0 WIN FOR BROM
All eyes will definitely be on Sean Gregan, who plays against his former club for the first time after his Premiership switch to Brom. North End have never had a good record playing West Brom away.
Brom player to watch: Sean Gregan (see him fly in with those tackles!)
STOKE CITY (HOME) PREDICTION: A 3-2 WIN FOR THE WHITES
There are always goals in a game between these two sides and I can’t see this one being any different. It will be an action-packed game with a few controversies, but I think North End have the edge.